KEY POINTS
- Cites ICJ rulings, highlighting systematic abuses in occupied Palestinian territories.
- Seeks an independent mechanism to investigate and prosecute human rights violations.
- Urges global action to prevent genocide and end impunity.
ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted on Wednesday a resolution presented by Pakistan, addressing human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
The resolution, titled ‘Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Including East Jerusalem, and the Obligation to Ensure Accountability and Justice,’ comes amid 18 months of horror for the Palestinian people under occupation.
Pakistan, on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, except Albania, presented the resolution.
The resolution cites numerous crimes committed in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, demanding urgent justice and accountability.
ICJ rulings and findings
The resolution references the International Court of Justice’s landmark ruling on 19 July 2024, which raised legal concerns over Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territory.
It also incorporates recent findings by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, highlighting systematic sexual violence and other human rights violations against Palestinians, particularly women and girls.
“This is yet another deplorable instrument of repression in a repertoire whose use must cease, and must do so immediately,” the statement asserted.
The resolution also underscored the necessity for preventing and punishing incitement to genocide in Gaza, aligning with the ICJ’s provisional measures issued on 26 January 2024.
Global support
The OIC Group has acknowledged broad expressions of solidarity and support during the resolution process. The draft was introduced under Item 2 of the UN agenda to advance accountability for severe breaches of international law.
“The just cause of the Palestinian people under occupation has always been anchored in their inalienable rights and the cardinal pillars of international law.”
The OIC Group reinforced its call for justice by citing multiple UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions that have condemned violence against Palestinians. It reiterated that impunity for human rights violations encourages further crimes.
A call for justice
Pakistan stressed that for the Palestinian people, this resolution would represent a light at the end of an unimaginably dark tunnel.
“Amidst the grief and loss that we all feel at the utterly terrible situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, it would also be a ray of hope for the world at large.”
