Panellists at an African Commission event urged states to take stronger action to protect Palestinian rights, highlighting the urgent need to address Israel’s ongoing occupation. The discourse centered on enforcing the African Charter’s principles and ensuring the safety of human rights defenders. Calls were made for a courageous resolution to hold Israel accountable for its human rights obligations.
At a side event during the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, panelists emphasized the urgent need for African states and the Commission to take decisive action against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. They called for stronger enforcement of human rights principles, particularly regarding self-determination and protection of human rights defenders advocating for Palestinians. The gathering underscored the importance of aligning diplomatic relations with the values enshrined in the African Charter, urging support for Palestinian rights against alleged apartheid actions. Saleh Hijazi, from the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement, highlighted that the African Charter’s preamble mandates states to oppose any form of foreign domination, including Zionism. He asserted that African nations must implement robust measures in defense of Palestinian rights, echoing the International Court of Justice’s stance on Israel’s violations of international law. Hijazi insisted that human rights defenders facing state-induced repression need immediate protection and release from arbitrary detentions. The panelists urged the African Commission to adopt a resolute resolution to hold Israel accountable for its human rights obligations and to cease the intimidation of civil society advocating for Palestinian rights. Algeria and South Africa advocated for a definitive stance against these violations, pressing that the Chairperson of the Commission would address them in forthcoming private discussions. The call extends to nations like Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to step up their support for human rights defenders in their essential work. During the same session, discussions on human rights in Côte d’Ivoire revealed the restrictions faced by defenders, particularly regarding freedoms of association and assembly, amid a shrinking civic space. Participants in the NGOs Forum in Banjul explored strategies to combat these challenges, culminating in the formulation of resolutions aimed at strengthening defenders’ roles and enhancing democracy and human rights protection across the continent.
The dialogue focused on the intersection of African human rights frameworks and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, addressing the ongoing occupation and its human rights implications. The African Commission’s previous responses to the situation have not met the call for clearly defined obligations for member states, particularly in aiding vulnerable populations. The event sought to recalibrate this approach, emphasizing the necessity for collective action to uphold fundamental rights.
The side event showcased a unified demand for stronger action from African states and the Human Rights Commission to safeguard Palestinian rights. Calls for a definitive resolution indicate a growing recognition of the necessity to confront violations of international human rights laws. Furthermore, the emphasis on protecting human rights defenders reinforces a broader commitment to uphold democratic values and civic space across the continent.
Original Source: ishr.ch
