UN Experts Sound the Alarm for Genocide: A Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
October 26th, 2023
Justice For All Canada extends its deepest acknowledgment to the dedicated UN experts who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause of peace and human rights in Gaza while advocating for the prevention of genocide in accordance with international humanitarian and criminal law. The tireless efforts and brave advocacy of the following UN experts - Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Francesca Albanese, Reem Alsalem, Paula Gaviria Betancur, Michael Fakhri, Tlaleng Mofokeng, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Farida Shaheed, and Ashwini K.P. - in condemning the recent atrocities in Gaza deserve our utmost respect.
The report released by these UN experts on October 19, 2023, highlights the following major points:
Justice For All Canada acknowledges the urgent need for the international community to take action in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. We call upon the Canadian government and other nations to actively work towards an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering and loss of life in the region. It is imperative that all diplomatic channels be utilized to bring an end to this devastating conflict and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Gaza.
*Source: "Gaza: UN Experts Decry Bombing of Hospitals and Schools as Crimes Against Humanity, Call for Prevention of Genocide." OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights), 19 October 2023, https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/gaza-un-experts-decry-bombing-hospitals-and-schools-crimes-against-humanity.
**Full designations of UN Experts: Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on Violence against women and girls; Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; .Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing; Ms. Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Ms Ashwini K.P. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
Justice For All Canada extends its deepest acknowledgment to the dedicated UN experts who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause of peace and human rights in Gaza while advocating for the prevention of genocide in accordance with international humanitarian and criminal law. The tireless efforts and brave advocacy of the following UN experts - Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Francesca Albanese, Reem Alsalem, Paula Gaviria Betancur, Michael Fakhri, Tlaleng Mofokeng, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Farida Shaheed, and Ashwini K.P. - in condemning the recent atrocities in Gaza deserve our utmost respect.
The report released by these UN experts on October 19, 2023, highlights the following major points:
- Risk of Genocide: The experts expressed serious concern about the risk of genocide against the Palestinian People, citing statements made by Israeli political leaders, military actions in Gaza, and the escalation of arrests and killings in the West Bank. They emphasized that there can be no justification or exception for such crimes.
- Humanitarian and Legal Concerns: The experts raised serious concerns about the humanitarian and legal implications of Israel's tightening of the 16-year siege on Gaza, leading to the deprivation of essential resources such as food, fuel, water, electricity, and medicine for 2.2 million people. They also highlighted the dire situation of approximately 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza who urgently require prenatal and postnatal care, and the estimated one million internally displaced individuals across the Gaza Strip.
- Violations of International Law: The experts reminded that the UN Security Council has repeatedly condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare, which is prohibited under international humanitarian and criminal law. They emphasized that the denial of humanitarian access and the deprivation of essential resources for survival constitute violations of international humanitarian law.
- Outrage over Deadly Strikes: The experts expressed their profound outrage at the deadly strike on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, which resulted in the tragic loss of more than 470 civilians, and the subsequent strike on a UNRWA school in Al Maghazi refugee camp that housed around 4,000 displaced people. These strikes occurred after prior warnings issued by Israel regarding the imminent attacks.
- Protection of Humanitarian Workers: The experts called for the protection of humanitarian workers, citing over 136 documented attacks on healthcare services in the occupied Palestinian territory, resulting in the tragic loss of health workers. They highlighted that these attacks also extended to United Nations Refugee Works Agency (UNRWA) staff and Palestine Red Crescent paramedics.
- 'Domicile' and Crimes Against Humanity: The report pointed out the wilful and systematic destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure in Palestinian territory, known as 'domicile,' along with the obstruction of access to drinking water, medicine, and essential food, which are clearly prohibited under international criminal law.
- Urgent Call for Action: The experts called for an immediate ceasefire, ensuring unimpeded access to essential humanitarian supplies, and guaranteeing the physical safety of the civilian population.
- They further stressed the need for an end to the occupation, as well as reparation, restitution, and reconstruction, towards achieving full justice for Palestinians.
Justice For All Canada acknowledges the urgent need for the international community to take action in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. We call upon the Canadian government and other nations to actively work towards an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering and loss of life in the region. It is imperative that all diplomatic channels be utilized to bring an end to this devastating conflict and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Gaza.
*Source: "Gaza: UN Experts Decry Bombing of Hospitals and Schools as Crimes Against Humanity, Call for Prevention of Genocide." OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights), 19 October 2023, https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/gaza-un-experts-decry-bombing-hospitals-and-schools-crimes-against-humanity.
**Full designations of UN Experts: Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on Violence against women and girls; Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; .Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing; Ms. Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Ms Ashwini K.P. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.