GANHRI Bureau members express solidarity with Palestine’s NHRI, call for protection of civilians, cessation of hostilities by all parties and urgent provision of aid to Gaza
5th November, Copenhagen – GANHRI members received an update on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank from the Director General of the Independent Commission of Human Rights of Palestine (ICHRP), Ammar Al Dwaik.
In our statement of 17 October 2023, we condemned all acts of violence aimed at Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
GANHRI member national human rights institutions across the globe express their solidarity with colleagues from the ICHRP amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
The ICHRP, an ‘A status’ national human rights institution, is a highly valued member of GANHRI. It has independently monitored the human rights situation and defended human rights in Palestine’s highly complex and challenging environment for three decades.
“We stand in solidarity with our friends and colleagues at ICHRP during these devastating times. We will do our utmost to support them in their important human rights role and mandate,” said GANHRI Chairperson Maryam Al Attiyah.
The ICHRP has consistently reported on the human rights situation in Palestine, including to United Nations bodies and mechanisms, with concrete recommendations for action.
We note the ICHRP has been consistently calling for the protection of civilians, a cessation of hostilities, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid, accountability for all violations under international law, and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
GANHRI members expressed grave concern for the safety and security of the 5 ICHRP commissioners and 17 staff in the Gaza Strip.
ICHPR members and staff have lost family members, friends, and homes. Many have become internally displaced and all are impacted by the severe restrictions on access to essential resources such as food, clean water, and electricity.
“We commend the extraordinary courage and commitment of our ICHRP colleagues to their human rights work in the face of these ongoing attacks,” said Ms.Al-Attiyah.
The UN estimates that 1.4 million people in Gaza are internally displaced, with reports of more than 9,000 killed, among them 3.700 children, and around 23.000 injured.
“We are horrified by the staggering number of civilian casualties, including children, women, the elderly, and those seeking refuge,” said Ms. Al-Attiyah.
“We strongly support the UN Special Procedures urgent call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to ensure that aid reaches all those who desperately need it.”
GANHRI Bureau members reiterated their call for all parties to immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, particularly in regard to the protection of civilians, as well as for the unconditional release of all civilians hostages who are being illegally held captive, demanding their safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law.
“As members of GANHRI, we reiterate our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide,” Ms. Al-Attiyah said.