Volker Türk Urges Inclusion Of Human Rights In Gaza Recovery And Peacebuilding Processes

Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, has urged all parties to prioritise human rights in recovery and peacebuilding efforts. This is crucial for turning the ceasefire in Gaza into lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. He emphasised the global relief at signs of conflict ending, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure enduring peace and security in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

"There is a collective global relief at the signs that this war and human suffering are coming to an end at last. At this critical stage, all hands on deck are needed to ensure this momentum carries through to a lasting peace and security for all those living in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory," the High Commissioner said in a statement today.

Türk highlighted that human rights are integral to achieving peace, justice, and reconciliation. His office is prepared to support these efforts. He stressed that human dignity involves accountability for severe human rights violations over recent years. Ensuring Palestinians' participation in governance decisions is also vital.

"Human rights are about human dignity," Türk added. "It is also about accountability for the egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have taken place over the past two years."

Türk underscored the importance of restoring access to essential services like food, clean water, shelter, medical care, and education for Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank. He also emphasised recognising Palestinians' right to self-determination through inclusive political processes aimed at a two-State solution.

"It is about ensuring that all Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank, irrespective of gender, age or disability, can have their voices heard and can participate in decision-making processes related to their future governance," he stated.

Key Areas for Human Rights Integration

The High Commissioner outlined several areas where human rights should be central: accountability and transitional justice; security and rule of law; state-building; inclusion; civil society engagement; unrestricted access for humanitarian aid; freedom for journalists; protection workers; and human rights education.

Ensuring full access for humanitarian aid workers, international journalists, protection workers, and human rights monitors is crucial. Journalists must be able to work freely throughout Gaza without restrictions.

Guidance from International Resolutions

The path forward should align with resolutions from bodies like the UN Security Council, General Assembly, Human Rights Council, as well as advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice. These frameworks provide guidance towards achieving a sustainable two-State solution.

The emphasis remains on fostering conditions conducive to peace by integrating human rights into every aspect of recovery efforts. This approach aims to build a foundation where both Palestinians and Israelis can coexist peacefully with dignity.

With inputs from WAM