Israel violations in spotlight

THE UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will today debate four resolutions on Israel’s accountability for its systematic violations of international law following a strong message sent by African countries to the international community that Palestinian right to self-determination, justice and freedom be realised.

Speaking during a debate on human rights in Palestine and other occupied Arab territory during the UNHRC’s 37th session in Geneva, the 54 member-strong African Group, represented by Togo’s Ousmane Afo Salifou, expressed concern at the arbitrary deprivation of liberty, the lack of accountability and obstacles to the justice facing Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The African Group called for the immediate end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and life, settlement building, the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and its 1.8 million citizens, and an end to all Israeli-imposed collective punishment on Palestinian.

Representing 28% of UN members, the group reaffirmed its support for “the historic fight of the Palestinian people to realise the right to freedom and self-determination, and right to live in peace and justice”, Salifou said.

“The council has the ethical and legal obligation to act effectively to protect the population in Palestine and other occupied territories, and assume its responsibilities to remedy this. – African News Agency (ANA)