UN Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution on Israel’s Accountability for Possible War Crimes in Gaza
GENEVA —
The U.N. Human Rights Council overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on Friday, calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The resolution received 28 votes in favor, with only six countries voting against it and 13 abstentions.
The council chamber erupted in applause upon the announcement of the vote results, with many countries expressing support for the resolution and others expressing dismay.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
Meirav Eilon Shahar, the Israeli ambassador to the U.N., criticized the adoption of the resolution, stating that it demonstrates a lack of concern for Israelis and the victims of Palestinian terrorism.
The resolution calls upon all states to cease the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms, munitions, and other military equipment to Israel. It also demands the immediate lifting of Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip and all other forms of collective punishment. Additionally, it calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
Bilal Ahmad, Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, introduced the draft resolution on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He highlighted the resolution’s response to human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, and Israel’s disregard for international law.
Ibrahim Khraish, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian disaster” and called for immediate action to stop the ongoing violence and loss of innocent lives.
Michele Taylor, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, acknowledged the loss of civilian lives in the Gaza conflict and expressed concern about the lack of humanitarian assistance. However, she stated that the U.S. could not support the resolution due to its problematic elements, such as the absence of condemnation for Hamas and the failure to distinguish between different groups involved in the conflict.
Countries’ Positions on the Resolution
- Argentina, Bulgaria, Germany, Malawi, Paraguay, and the United States voted against the resolution.
- France abstained from voting.
Ambassador Shahar expressed disappointment with the lack of support from European countries, specifically mentioning Belgium, Luxembourg, and Finland for supporting a resolution that did not condemn Hamas.
She criticized the Human Rights Council for abandoning the Israeli people and defending Hamas, stating that it has become a shield for terrorists and turned a blind eye to acts of violence against Israelis and Jews.
Ambassador Shahar concluded by calling the resolution a stain on the Human Rights Council and the United Nations as a whole.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article discusses the U.N. Human Rights Council’s adoption of a resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. This issue is directly related to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The resolution also addresses the issue of reduced inequalities (SDG 10) by calling for an end to collective punishment and the lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the article mentions the rape of Israeli women, which relates to SDG 5 on gender equality.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 16.3 under SDG 16, which focuses on promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice, Target 10.2 under SDG 10, which aims to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all, and Target 5.2 under SDG 5, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group.
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 16.3.1: This indicator measures the proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms. It can be used to assess progress towards ensuring equal access to justice for all.
– Indicator 10.2.1: This indicator measures the proportion of people living below 50 percent of the median income, disaggregated by age, sex, and disability status. It can be used to monitor progress in reducing inequalities.
– Indicator 5.2.1: This indicator measures the proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older who have experienced physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months. It can be used to track progress in eliminating violence against women and girls.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group. |
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Source: voanews.com
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