Human Rights and Democracy Media Center- SHAMS, strongly condemns the crimes and atrocities committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in general. The occupation is proceeding in killing women, children, and elderly people as well as shelling the civic establishments such as schools, hospitals, medical centers, universities, churches, and mosques. In addition to the attacks, the Israeli army denies the entry of food, water, and fuel where such an act represents a clear war crime and a crime against humanity. The Israeli practices are tools of the genocide committed against Palestinians daily, especially in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army is systematically demolishing the infrastructure and the various pillars of civic life in the Gaza Strip.
SHAMS Center deplores the position of the states that are collaborating in the aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip where some of these countries participate by providing weapons while providing political coverage for the occupation’s state in the United Nations Security Council. Other countries support the aggression and in most cases remain speechless in front of the aggression. The positions of these countries and their support to the aggression is a profound violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These countries are attacking the international legitimacy and the related international conventions and treaties, which call upon protecting human rights and the fundamental rights, above which should be the right to life. The applied policies by the countries that support the occupation manifest the double standard policies adopted by these countries in dealing with world issues, especially in dealing with the human rights violations committed in the Gaza Strip. Some European countries are adopting the Israeli narration although the huge destruction and mass killing is reflected clearly in the media. Despite that, some European countries are proceeding in supporting the occupation claiming that Israel has the right to (self-defense). What does self-defense mean once you occupy the land of others?
SHAMS Center calls on the nations of the world on the International Human Rights Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly under Resolution No. 217 on 10/12/1948. This day has become a fundamental catalyst and precursor for the adoption of over 70 international treaties to protect and enhance human rights globally. The Center urges adherence to this declaration and implementing all its provisions for the Palestinian people. Adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a manifestation of the international community’s commitment to respecting human rights and establishing them within the framework of global legal and constitutional standards. Human rights are the foundation for achieving justice, peace, and freedom worldwide. This Declaration, consisting of thirty articles and a preamble, underscores the universality of human rights and the equality of all individuals. Article 1 of this declaration states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” All articles in the declaration emphasize the fundamental rights of humans, which must be protected, upheld, and not violated by any authority, as they are inherent rights for every individual, arising from their humanity as natural rights.
SHAMS Center appreciates the decisions of human rights defenders who have demonstrated their commitment to free and noble principles, by returning awards they received from countries supporting and participating in the occupation’s aggression on the Gaza Strip. These defenders include Ms. Azza Suleiman- Egypt, Ms. Rajaa Imran- Egypt, Mr. Abdullah Al-Khunaini- Kuwait, Mr. Mohamed Lotfy- Egypt, El Nadim Center For Management & Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence- Egypt, Lina Atallah- Egypt, Zoya and Rihana- Lebanon, Issam Younis- Palestine, Hadeel Abdul Aziz- Jordan, and Sama Awaida- Palestine. These defenders aligned themselves with their conscience, nationality, and professional honour. The act of returning these awards to these countries is a symbolic and impactful rebuke, a clear expression of the discontent of these defenders towards the involvement and support of these countries in the occupation’s aggression on the Gaza Strip. It underscores the idea that human rights are inherent to every individual, regardless of their race, gender, beliefs, political opinion, national origin, religion, or social and economic status. The principled position of these defenders signifies their refusal to accept any medals, appreciation gifts, or prizes as symbols from countries that violate and disregard international humanitarian law, supporting the occupation and participating in its aggression on Gaza. The return of these awards by the defenders is not merely symbolic but a significant, practical step, confirming that they will not accept recognition from countries endorsing aggression.
SHAMS Center emphasizes the need for the United Nations and its specialized agencies to fulfill their role in protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms across the globe, regardless of political opinion, national origin, religion, ethnicity, or colour. This is based on the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the international commitments of member states of the United Nations and those who have signed the declaration. This is to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms without arbitrary actions or interference from any authority.
SHAMS Center emphasizes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in the aftermath of the physical violations of human rights committed against humanity during World War II, where totalitarian and fascist regimes perpetrated various severe human rights violations, is a testament to the atrocities and horrors of that war. Humanity still suffers and experiences the tragedies of that war, with the ongoing presence and witness of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki disasters in Japan, testifying to the magnitude of those horrific massacres and the genocide committed against humanity as a whole. Nuclear weapons were used to annihilate those cities, and the siege of Leningrad and the starvation of millions of people stand as a stark representation of the world’s witnessing of its tragedies and atrocities. This declaration was established to codify human rights in their entirety in an international document. However, despite the destruction, devastation, killing, and occupation inflicted by fascist and totalitarian regimes on various nations, these countries continue to live with a colonialist and occupier mentality, lacking respect for human rights.
Shams” Center reminds that celebrating the International Human Rights Day is an important global occasion to reaffirm the universality, sanctity, and protection of human rights from violations. It emphasizes the necessity for nations worldwide to uphold the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, working to defend the rights of the oppressed and the people who are still suffering under occupation in various parts of the world. It stresses the importance of aligning national laws and systems with the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, considered the world’s first constitutional document safeguarding human rights, preserving human dignity, and advocating for complete equality among all people. The declaration criminalizes any violation of human rights in any country globally based on the universality and sanctity of human rights.
SHAMS Center calls upon all local and international organizations working in the field of human rights, to unify their efforts on legal and human rights levels to confront severe human rights violations worldwide. The aim is to advocate for and defend human rights, dignity, and fundamental freedoms, in adherence to the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all relevant international treaties. This collective effort is crucial for building a world characterized by stability, freedom, peace, and cooperation, where human beings are respected