|
10 November 2023
Gaza is being strangled and it seems the world right now has lost its humanity- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
As a community and as individuals who are committed to human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, the EMAlumni is deeply alarmed by the shocking events that have unfolded in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. It is devastating to witness the widespread ongoing violation of human rights and humanitarian law on such an enormous scale.
We strongly condemn the horrific acts perpetrated by Hamas and the deliberate, widespread killing of civilians in Israel on 7 October and the taking of hostages. We support the appeal for immediate and unconditional release of civilians held hostage.
We strongly condemn the violent and indiscriminate attacks against Palestinian civilians in Gaza by the Government of Israel. The daily bombardment and loss of life amounting to collective punishment is a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. We strongly condemn the rapidly increasing acts of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians taking place in the West Bank. The use of language to dehumanise the Palestinian people is of deep concern.
We would like to highlight the universality of human rights enshrined in Art. 1 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. The rights of Palestinians and Israelis are of equal importance. The same rules should apply to hold those who breach these rights to account.
Armed conflict harms children first and foremost. Thousands of children have been killed in this conflict over a few short weeks and more are being killed daily. Children are also harmed when they survive but lose parents and loved ones and witness catastrophic events. We strongly condemn the grave human rights violations against children which are mounting in Gaza.
Severe suffering, amounting to a humanitarian crisis, is being inflicted on the people of Gaza where its population are at risk of starvation. We reiterate the UN Secretary-General’s call for unrestricted access for humanitarian actors into Gaza, to provide aid to the most affected. This is essential to address the desperate, immediate needs of the civilians of Gaza, including children, to food, water, medical treatment, sanitation, shelter and protection.
It is unfathomable and deeply distressing to the EMAlumni community that the world is watching as this happens before us all. Restoring international legality, accountability and respect for humanity and dignity must prevail.
We call on those in power around the world to take urgent action to support an immediate ceasefire and end violations of humanitarian law and human rights, particularly the right to life, and to play an active role in de-escalating tensions in the region.
We support the investigation launched by the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and Israel, into all violations reported since 7 October, including unlawful deaths and enforced disappearances, and the investigation by the International Criminal Court.
The context of this conflict must not be forgotten: the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people, the annexation of the Palestinian territories ongoing since 1967, including the sixteen year unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip. The international community must assume its responsibility to find viable pathways to a long-term peaceful solution by addressing the root causes of this asymmetrical conflict.
Today, we are calling on the EMAlumni community to speak up in calling for International human rights law and humanitarian law to be respected and upheld in any way that you can. Let us use our knowledge and skills to encourage others to do the same. Let us speak up for dignity and equality and speak out against all forms of racism and bigotry and the use of dehumanising language. Let us call on political leaders around the world and in our countries to emphasise the importance of upholding obligations stemming from international treaties on human rights and humanitarian law.
It is so important that we reach out and support our fellow EMA graduates during these challenging times. Let us reach out and support one another in our grief for what is happening in our world. We stand in solidarity with any of our fellow EMA graduates, and those in the wider Global Campus for Human Rights Alumni who have suffered personal losses in these past few weeks and are continuing to suffer.
There has never been a greater need for individuals and collectives to support each other and to come together to fight for a better world order where human rights, equality and humanitarian principles are universally respected, protected and upheld. Let us not lose hope in our shared humanity and compassion. Let us use our knowledge, passion and determination to challenge false narratives and inequality. We stand together to affect positive change, to promote human rights and equality and to fight against impunity for human rights violations.
The EMAlumni Association Board
|
