In a pressing call for peace, UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged the Human Rights Council to ensure the fragile ceasefire in Gaza remains intact, amidst stalled discussions between Hamas and Israel regarding a prolonged truce. While he condemned the brutal assaults on Israel launched by Hamas in October 2023, he equally denounced Israel’s severe military responses that have tragically resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian fatalities, as reported by local sources. Mr. Türk expressed the urgent necessity to confront decades of conflict, stating, “Any plans for a better future must deal with the past, so accountability and justice for violations are crucial.”
In his address, he highlighted the importance of each ceasefire phase being carried out sincerely, emphasising the need for Palestinians to have the autonomy to shape their destiny. Reports suggest that Israel is soon to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remains of four hostages. In a broader context, Mr. Türk lamented the extensive human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, noting an “unprecedented disregard” for international humanitarian law by both parties amid ongoing violence since October.
He expressed concerns over Israel’s willingness and capacity to ensure accountability for unlawful acts, particularly against civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. Moreover, he pointed out potential war crimes committed by Hamas against Israel, warning that resolving these issues requires holding accountable those responsible for violations. He insisted, “Any attempts at shaping a peaceful future where such horrors do not recur must ensure that perpetrators are held to account.”
Türk addressed the threats to international institutions that uphold justice and law, particularly in light of actions taken against UNRWA and sanctions on the International Criminal Court, stating that this undermines collective accountability. He emphasised the importance of opposing any efforts to annex Palestinian land or forcibly displace residents, urging for voices of reason to foster justice and compassion. “This is the moment for voices of reason to prevail; for solutions that will deliver justice and make space for compassion, healing and truth telling,” he concluded.
On another critical issue, the UN Human Rights Council’s investigators reiterated the need to prosecute Nicaraguan officials for what they termed systematic repression of their populace. The Group of Experts on Nicaragua portrayed the current government as an authoritarian regime lacking independent institutions, where dissent is mercilessly silenced. Their report, impending presentation to the Council, details shocking human rights abuses including murder, torture, and forced exile.
They implored the international community to hold Nicaragua accountable for breaching conventions against torture and statelessness. Reed Brody, a member of the Group, pointed out the unprecedented scale of arbitrary detentions targeting political adversaries. Additionally, Jan-Michael Simon, chair of the panel, described the intertwining of state machinery and the ruling party as a formidable “machine of repression,” leading to numerous human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and arbitrary deprivation of nationality.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk urges that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza must be maintained as talks between Hamas and Israel are delayed. He condemns both Hamas and Israel for their roles in the ongoing violence, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In Nicaragua, a UN investigative group calls for the prosecution of officials for severe human rights abuses, describing the country as having devolved into an authoritarian state that silences dissent.
The urgency of upholding the ceasefire in Gaza is underscored by UN chief Volker Türk, who calls for accountability and a solution to the protracted conflict. He stresses the importance of Palestinian self-determination and accountability for human rights violations by all parties involved. Meanwhile, in Nicaragua, a grim picture emerges of systematic repression, prompting calls for international action against top officials responsible for violating human rights. The intertwined crises remind us that vigilance and integrity are indispensable in pursuing justice and peace.
Original Source: news.un.org
