Volker Türk Urges Immediate Action To Restore Peace And Respect For Human Rights

Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed his dismay at the disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law by parties involved in the Gaza conflict. He made this statement during his global update on human rights at the fifty-sixth regular session of the Human Rights Council, which commenced today and will continue until 12th July.

Türk reported that over 120,000 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, have been killed or injured since 7th October due to intensive Israeli offensives. He noted that since Israel escalated its operations into Rafah in early May, nearly one million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, while aid delivery and humanitarian access have further deteriorated.

The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is also deteriorating dramatically. As of 15th June, 528 Palestinians, including 133 children, had been killed by Israeli security forces and settlers since October. These incidents often raise serious concerns about unlawful killings. During the same period, 23 Israelis have been killed in clashes or attacks by Palestinians, including eight members of Israeli security forces.

Palestinian armed groups continue to hold many hostages, sometimes in densely populated areas, putting both hostages and Palestinian civilians at further risk. Türk emphasized that these patterns raise serious concerns about potential war crimes and other atrocity crimes.

Türk also highlighted the escalating situation between Lebanon and Israel. He reported that 401 people have been killed in Lebanon, including paramedics and journalists. Over 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, while over 60,000 have been displaced in Israel with 25 Israeli fatalities. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed.

Türk reiterated his call for a cessation of hostilities and urged actors with influence to take all possible measures to avert a full-scale war. "We urgently need to find our way back to peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law," he stated.

Humanitarian Funding Gap

Commenting on the financial implications of war, Türk pointed out that as of the end of May 2024, the gap between humanitarian funding requirements and available resources stands at US$40.8 billion. Appeals are funded at an average of only 16.1 percent.

This contrasts sharply with the almost $2.5 trillion in global military expenditure in 2023, marking a 6.8 percent increase from 2022—the steepest year-on-year rise since 2009. "In addition to inflicting unbearable human suffering, war comes with a hefty price tag," Türk remarked.

With inputs from WAM