The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council

General Debate on Agenda Item 7:

Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories

Joint Statement by the International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD) and Geneva International Centre for Justice 

By Shrimeti Jungo / GICJ

 The collapse of Gaza’s fragile ceasefire exposes a harsh truth—this is no longer a war, but a systematic eradication of the Palestinian people. At least 1.9 million Palestinians were displaced. Over 50’021 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 113’000 wounded.

The deadly Israeli attacks on the Palestinian people – including defenceless women and innocent children – are no longer just a cause for concern; they are an undeniable reality. As an occupying power, Israel’s systematic and disproportionate use of force amounts to nothing less than a genocide – a serious war crime, and a grave violation of human rights and international law.

We strongly condemn Israel’s genocidal acts, and we demand an end to Israel’s impunity—no one is above the law. Israel ratified the Genocide Convention in 1950, thus is legally obligated to prevent and punish acts of genocide.

We also condemn the involvement of other States who are complicit in the genocide of Palestinians. Under Article 3(e) of the Genocide Convention individuals, groups or States enabling genocide must be held legally accountable under international law. Finally, we urge the Council to take more decisive resolutions and bolder steps towards ending the genocide against Palestinians.

The world cannot turn a blind eye to this systematic campaign of genocide and oppression any longer.

Thank you.