Ramallah: Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “SHAMS” welcomed the decision of UN Human Rights Council to form an International Independent Investigation Commission immediately. To study violations perpetrated by the Israeli forces against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories especially in the occupied Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. Such violations infringe upon International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law considering “Israel” the occupying force.
Moreover, the center disapproved that a large number of Human Rights Council’s members (14) have abstained in the vote on the resolution which represents a victory for International Justice. The center stated that if Western Counties request to defend human rights & dignity, and to disseminate the human rights in the world. However, these countries have undertaken a negative unjustified action, which will call its credibility, reputation, and impartiality into question, and raise concerns regarding its position to stand on the side of the aggrieved and oppressed.
“SHAMS” center put emphasis that forming the commission by the Human Rights Council is of utmost importance, and noted that such step indicates that the Council is convinced of what has been requested by Palestine and the brotherly friendly states. Therefore the council in now fully convinced that the commission will investigate violations and breaches, including violations that may amount to war crimes, and the commission will identify those responsible. For the purpose of delivering recommendations, in particular the accountability measurements to combat impunity, to put an end to it and to ensure legal accountability are held. In terms of addressing individual criminal accountability, responsibility of leaders for such violations, in addition to deliver recommendations to protect the civilians against other abuses. The Committee should deliver an oral report to the Council at its thirty-ninth session in coming September and a written report in March 2019.
“SHAMS” Center denounced the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s condemnation of the Human Rights Council’s decision to form a UN commission, citing Israel as the only democracy in Middle East). The center added that occupying the Palestinian & Arab territories by Israel and preventing Palestinian citizens from enjoying their right to self-determination represent a violation against International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law and of the resolutions of international legitimacy, foremost among which are the resolutions of the Security Council. Besides the systematic failure of Israel to conduct genuine investigations in a fair, independent, and effective manner as required by International Law on violence and crimes committed by the occupying forces against the Palestinians. And holding the Israelis accountable of their actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and East Jerusalem.
”SHAMS” Center emphasized the importance of the resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council noting that targeting of civilians and other protected persons in situations of armed conflict, including foreign occupation, represent serious violations against International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law and represent a threat For international peace and security. It therefore calls for an international investigation of the crimes committed by the occupying forces against Palestinian citizens. In order to fight Israeli impunity of its crimes against our people through, by holding Israel accountable and prosecuting it before International Criminal Court.