Brussels - Capitals: Europe and the Arabs
A statement was issued in Brussels by the European Union on the occasion of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the issuance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, at a time when the Palestinian territories are witnessing all forms of human rights violations, especially in Gaza and the West Bank, due to the Israeli bombing of civilians and the occurrence of large numbers of victims, whether children or women, and the suffering due to shortages. Medicines, food, water, and difficult living and humanitarian conditions. However, the UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution to impose a humanitarian truce due to the American veto.
Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Affairs in the Gaza Strip, said that this war inflicted heavy losses on Gaza and its people, as people lost their families, property and homes, noting that the Secretary-General’s activation of Article 99 of the United Nations Charter reflects the seriousness of the situation.
From Rafah, Thomas White spoke to UN News, stressing that only a ceasefire can stop death, destruction and displacement in Gaza.
UNRWA shelters in Rafah are severely overcrowded and many people are now staying in the open. But the UN agency’s employees continue to work very long hours, every day, to serve their community, despite the loss of their colleagues, loved ones, and homes, and despite the fact that they have become displaced themselves and many of them live in shelters, according to Mr. Thomas White.
The UNRWA Director also highlighted the tragic stories told by people who survived attacks in the north, especially in Shujaiya and Jabalia.
A senior UN official expressed grave concern over reports of sexual violence against men and women while detained by Hamas in Gaza.
Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, called for their immediate, safe and unconditional release. She welcomed her invitation to make an official visit by the Israeli government.
She said that the visit will be an opportunity to meet with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including recently released hostages, to make their voices heard and hear their testimonies directly.
As a basis for UN engagement, Patten called for robust, independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence linked to the current conflict.
In this context, I urged the State of Israel to allow access to the United Nations entities charged with the investigation mandate, which have urgently demonstrated their readiness and readiness to examine the scope and extent of these crimes, including allegations of sexual violence against Palestinians.
On Human Rights Day, according to a statement issued in Brussels, the European Union joins the world to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document laid the foundation for our universal human rights system as well as national laws and international treaties that protect and promote human rights, including the European Convention on Human Rights in Europe. It remains as valid and crucial today as it was 75 years ago.
Human rights transcend borders and cultures. It is inherent in every human being without distinction. Although significant progress has been made over the past 75 years, crises continue to multiply, and women, children and people living in fragile situations often bear the brunt of the consequences of wars and conflicts.
Respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights is essential to promoting justice and accountability, and ending impunity. This is one of the founding values and principles of the European Union. Promoting universal respect for human rights is also a key priority in the EU's external action, to which we are firmly committed. The European Union will also continue to condemn human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, discrimination, shrinking civic space, and attacks on democracy and media freedom wherever they occur.
Along with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, and the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which recognizes their critical role as agents of positive change working to promote and realize human rights. rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains more relevant than ever, standing us in good stead for another 75 years and beyond, as we apply its principles to meet current challenges in a digital world already grappling with the impacts of climate change.
It is our collective duty to support and promote the human rights of every person around the world. As we celebrate this important event, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to the UN Charter standing shoulder to shoulder with the United Nations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as all multilateral and regional organisations, in promoting the full realization of human rights around the world. . In line with the goal of leaving no one behind, the European Union also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the human rights-based approach to development cooperation.
Human rights are not just words on paper; They are legal rules that are universally applicable. They are the foundation of peace and the path towards a more just, equal and inclusive society for today, tomorrow and future generations.