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Grave situation in Gaza demands assertive and decisive action

Statement at the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council 

General Debate Item 7

Delivered by Sigrid Lipott

Mr President,

The already challenging and brutal civic context in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be exacerbated by the escalating conflict.

We firmly condemn summary killings, hostage-taking of civilians, and the launching of indiscriminate attacks or targeting of civilians, which constitutes a grave violation of international law.

Violations of fundamental freedoms encompass the excessive use of force in violation of international standards against Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip, mass prevention of coverage particularly within the West Bank, and direct attacks against media across the OPTs.

Independent Palestinian civil society organisations (CSOs) have been working under increasingly restricted civic space with attacks to freedom of association including massive targeting of staff through intimidation measures, as well as arbitrary arrests and banning of peaceful gatherings.

Decisions that were made to suspend, review or terminate funding to Palestinian as well as Israeli CSOs, which remain key actors in monitoring human rights violations, further contribute to eroding human rights protection.

CIVICUS calls on this Council to address these situations objectively, impartially, and without double standards, with a view to fostering accountability and ensuring justice for victims of human rights violations.

We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives, particularly those of women and children.

We also encourage the Council to play an assertive role in preventing atrocity crimes and increase action to address attacks on civilians and the root causes of the conflict, and to work towards a sustainable peace process based on international law and human rights principles.

We thank you.

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