Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists
GENEVA, February 26, 2025 (12:00 GMT) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has reiterated his urgent call for a durable and sustained ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that the current truce, while welcome, must hold and be solidified to prevent a catastrophic return to hostilities. Türk’s remarks, delivered at a special session of the Human Rights Council today, underscored the devastating human rights situation in the Gaza Strip and the imperative for a long-term solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
The special session, convened at the request of a group of Member States concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the potential for renewed escalation, focused specifically on the human rights implications of the ceasefire and the necessary steps to ensure its sustainability.
Türk highlighted the immense suffering inflicted upon the civilian population of Gaza during the recent conflict, detailing the extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, the staggering loss of life, particularly among women and children, and the widespread displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. He emphasized the urgent need for unhindered access to humanitarian aid, including food, water, medicine, and shelter, to alleviate the immense suffering of the Gazan people.
“The fragility of this ceasefire cannot be overstated,” Türk stated. “While it provides a desperately needed respite from violence, it is imperative that all parties actively work to consolidate it into a sustainable peace. A return to hostilities would be utterly devastating for the already traumatized population of Gaza.”
Türk’s address also touched upon the need for accountability for alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law committed by all parties during the conflict. He reiterated his call for independent and impartial investigations into these allegations, stressing the importance of ensuring justice and preventing impunity.
“Accountability is not just a matter of justice for victims, it is essential to deter future violations and build a foundation for lasting peace,” he asserted.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis and the need for accountability, Türk stressed the importance of addressing the underlying factors contributing to the recurrent cycles of violence in Gaza. He pointed to the prolonged blockade, the dire economic conditions, and the lack of freedom of movement as key drivers of instability and despair.
“The situation in Gaza is unsustainable,” Türk warned. “A long-term solution requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, including lifting the blockade, improving economic opportunities, and ensuring respect for the human rights of all Palestinians. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of violence and build a future of peace and dignity for all.”
Following Türk’s address, a panel of independent experts addressed the Council, providing further insights into the human rights situation in Gaza and offering recommendations for action. These included:
- Strengthening the ceasefire: Ensuring a robust monitoring mechanism and a clear commitment from all parties to refrain from any actions that could undermine the truce.
- Guaranteeing humanitarian access: Removing all obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid and ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers.
- Addressing accountability: Conducting independent and impartial investigations into alleged violations of international law and ensuring justice for victims.
- Rebuilding and reconstruction: Investing in the reconstruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and economy, with a focus on sustainable development and ensuring that the rebuilding process respects human rights.
- Addressing the root causes of the conflict: Lifting the blockade, improving economic opportunities, and ensuring respect for the human rights of all Palestinians.
The Human Rights Council is expected to adopt a resolution on the situation in Gaza at the conclusion of its special session. The resolution is expected to call for a durable and sustained ceasefire, urge all parties to respect international law, and establish a mechanism for monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Gaza.
The international community now faces a critical test. Will it seize this opportunity to build a sustainable peace in Gaza based on respect for human rights, or will it allow the conflict to reignite, plunging the region into further bloodshed and despair? The world is watching.
Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists
The AI has provided us with the news.
I asked Google Gemini the following question.
Human Rights a new article on 2025-02-26 12:00 titled “Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
6