https://arab.news/rvkvw
- Turk said that he shares the Arab Parliament’s deep concern about the “gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law” taking place in Gaza
- He will continue to call on all countries with influence over the parties to the conflict to do everything in their power to end the war
CAIRO: A top UN official has advised the Arab Parliament that the organization will continue to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and encourage the identification of human rights violations in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk made the assurances in a letter to Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Abdulrahman Al-Asoumi, who in January had delivered information on the conflict to the UN.
In the letter, Turk said that he shares the Arab Parliament’s deep concern about the “gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law” taking place since Oct. 7 in the Gaza Strip and the “rapid deterioration in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
He highlighted the need for an immediate ceasefire, the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid, respect for international law and humane treatment.
Turk added that he will continue to call on all countries with influence over the parties to the conflict to do everything in their power to end the war, hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable and achieve justice for victims.
The UN official’s office had issued several detailed recommendations over several years regarding the situation in Palestine and will present two additional reports on Israeli settlements and the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council this month, the letter said.
Turk renewed his thanks to Al-Asoumi for his coordination and communication.
Al-Asoumi said that the Arab Parliament will continue to play a role in supporting and assisting the Palestinian people to encourage the creation of an independent state.
Meanwhile, Al-Asoumi lauded South Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause during a meeting with Ntsiki Mashimbye, the country’s ambassador to Cairo.
The parliament speaker praised the “historic and courageous position” of South Africa in submitting a case against Israel before the International Court of Justice.
The two sides discussed arrangements to implement the Arab Parliament’s decision to honor South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in recognition of his support for the Palestinian cause.