GENEVA - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today called on all actors to ensure that human rights are central to recovery and peacebuilding processes, in order that the ceasefire in Gaza transforms into an enduring peace for the peoples of Palestine and Israel.
"There is a collective global relief at the signs that this war and human suffering are coming to an end at last. At this critical stage, all hands on deck are needed to ensure this momentum carries through to a lasting peace and security for all those living in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory," the High Commissioner said.
"Much needs to be done. It will take tremendous efforts and the good will of all those involved in this conflict and the international community to foster conditions for peace, justice and reconciliation. Human rights must be central to these efforts, and my Office is ready to support.
"Human rights are about human dignity," Türk added. "It is also about accountability for the egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have taken place over the past two years.
"It is about ensuring that all Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank, irrespective of gender, age or disability, can have their voices heard and can participate in decision-making processes related to their future governance. It is about ensuring that full access to food, clean water, shelter, and medical care are restored as soon as possible, and that children have access to education and can play without fear.
"But it is equally about ensuring that the right of Palestinians to self-determination is recognised and that there are inclusive and meaningful political processes that will lead to a two-State solution. This needs to occur in line with UN Security Council, General Assembly and Human Rights Council resolutions, the General Assembly-endorsed New York Declaration, as well as the advisory opinions and interim measures issued by the International Court of Justice."
The High Commissioner identified a number of key areas where human rights must be central to a comprehensive process going forward, including:
- Accountability and transitional justice: Without truth, justice and accountability there can be no long-term reconciliation and healing between and among Israelis and Palestinians. This includes truth-telling and acknowledgement of the atrocities committed. Human rights monitoring and reporting remain critical in supporting current and future accountability processes to address impunity and deter violations. Such processes need to be strengthened, without exposure to threats, intimidation and reprisals.
- Security and rule of law: The concept of security needs to be broad, encompassing Israelis and Palestinians and the relations between the two peoples, but also recognizing that security is based on the rule of law and the respect for human rights. A central component for the recovery and rebuilding process is the need to ensure the proper administration of justice and law enforcement in Gaza, in line with international human rights standards.
- State-building and governance: The full range of human rights - economic, social, cultural, civil and political - provides a comprehensive framework for the establishment of an accountable, democratic and inclusive system of governance.
- Inclusion and legitimacy: Key to state and institution building efforts is ensuring that all Palestinians - irrespective of gender, age, ability, sect or religion - can play a role in recovery and political decision-making processes that affect them and in ensuring that state institutions and public administration remain accountable. The UN Human Rights Office has worked with the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian civil society over many years with the aim of building responsive and accountable government by empowering Palestinians as rights-holders, and to demand that government respect, protect and fulfil their rights.
- Civil society: Civil society, particularly human rights NGOs, have been repeatedly attacked and weakened over the years. An empowered civil society - notably women's voices - is essential to make meaningful progress in the areas of sustainable recovery, accountable governance, inclusion and legitimacy. They require our support.
- Access: Full and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid and workers, international journalists, protection workers and human rights monitors must be guaranteed. Journalists need to be able to carry out their work throughout Gaza freely. Opening Gaza up to the world can serve as a guarantee against a relapse, and act as a protective presence to prevent violations.
- Any international stabilization mission needs to include a human rights component. Human rights integration provides dedicated capacity for protection of civilians, capacity building on human rights for security forces and compliance monitoring, amongst other things.
- Human rights and peace education: It is essential to address discrimination and hate speech in breach of international human rights law. Human rights education fosters a culture of peace, counters extremism and radicalization, and promotes participation and dialogue with civil society.
