Condemning Abhorrent Use of Palestinian Children as Human Shields by Israeli Occupational Soldiers |
|
June 1st, 2023
Justice For All Canada vehemently condemns the abhorrent act of Israeli occupational soldiers using Palestinian children as human shields. Defence for Children Palestine reported that Israeli forces employed at least five Palestinian children, including two toddlers, as human shields this year.
In recent years, Canada made significant commitments and legislation to protect and promote children's rights globally, including ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and implementing the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. “The Canadian government’s silence over Israeli forces flagrantly disregarding principles of safety that every Palestinian child deserves is a stark violation of these empty commitments,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Such actions by Israeli occupational soldiers endanger the lives and well-being of innocent Palestinian children and perpetuate a cycle of violence and trauma that hinders the prospects for just and lasting peace in the region. Coinciding with the report, prominent Israeli journalist Ron Ben-Yishai made shocking statements defending the killing of Palestinian children, tweeting: “Considering the military advantage gained by eliminating these senior terrorists, it is irrelevant to ask how many children were incidentally killed.”
Ben-Yishai’s callous words encourage the normalization of abuse and killings of Palestinian minors. Such open hatred against Palestinians perpetuates the cycle of violence and grave human rights violations endured by their children and families.
Human Shields Involving Children Violates International Law
The use of human shields grossly violates international humanitarian law, including:
International Community Must Avoid Complicity
Justice For All Canada calls on the international community and governments to:
Learn More & Take Action Here.
Justice For All Canada vehemently condemns the abhorrent act of Israeli occupational soldiers using Palestinian children as human shields. Defence for Children Palestine reported that Israeli forces employed at least five Palestinian children, including two toddlers, as human shields this year.
In recent years, Canada made significant commitments and legislation to protect and promote children's rights globally, including ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and implementing the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. “The Canadian government’s silence over Israeli forces flagrantly disregarding principles of safety that every Palestinian child deserves is a stark violation of these empty commitments,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Such actions by Israeli occupational soldiers endanger the lives and well-being of innocent Palestinian children and perpetuate a cycle of violence and trauma that hinders the prospects for just and lasting peace in the region. Coinciding with the report, prominent Israeli journalist Ron Ben-Yishai made shocking statements defending the killing of Palestinian children, tweeting: “Considering the military advantage gained by eliminating these senior terrorists, it is irrelevant to ask how many children were incidentally killed.”
Ben-Yishai’s callous words encourage the normalization of abuse and killings of Palestinian minors. Such open hatred against Palestinians perpetuates the cycle of violence and grave human rights violations endured by their children and families.
Human Shields Involving Children Violates International Law
The use of human shields grossly violates international humanitarian law, including:
- Article 51(7) of the 1977 Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions: Explicitly prohibits using civilians, including children, as shields during armed conflicts.
- Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention: "No protected person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited."
- Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child upholds the rights of every child to life, survival, and protection from all forms of violence, including their use as human shields.
International Community Must Avoid Complicity
Justice For All Canada calls on the international community and governments to:
- Strongly condemn using Palestinian children as human shields and demand that Israeli occupational soldiers immediately cease this practice.
- Urge a thorough and impartial investigation into these incidents, holding the responsible Israeli parties accountable for their actions.
- Support efforts to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinian children and advocate for their protection and welfare, ensuring they have access to their fundamental rights, including education, healthcare, and a safe environment.
- Pressure the Israeli government to comply with international law and human rights standards, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background.
Learn More & Take Action Here.