OIC-IPHRC expresses its support for the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and condemns the intimidation aimed at those advocating for justice in Palestine and calls for urgent intervention to end the humanitarian blocakde leading to starvation of women and children in Gaza which is being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation regime.
The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expresses its support for the mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian territories (OPT). The Commission strongly condemns the unlawful intimidation and sanctions imposed against the current mandate holder, Mrs. Francesca Albanese, to stop her from fulfilling her duties in accordance with international law.
The Commission commends Mrs. Albanese for her professionalism, courage, and principled stance in exposing the grave violations committed against the Palestinian people, including the ongoing military massacre against civilians in Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces, which meets the threshold of genocide under international law.
The Commission is deeply alarmed by the imposition of sanctions against Mrs. Albanese, which represent a blatant act of reprisal against a UN mandate-holder for fulfilling her responsibilities in accordance with international law. It also negates the principles of independence and impartiality enshrined in the UN Charter. Such actions constitute a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of the international human rights system and threatens the ability of UN mandate holders to report on violations without fear or coercion.
Furthermore, IPHRC commends and supports the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to jointly organize an International Peace Summit which is scheduled for late July. This initiative presents a vital opportunity for the international community to translate legal and moral commitments into concrete actions to stop the Israeli military agression and genocide in Gaza Strip, enforce a permanent ceasefire, and end the decades-long occupation of Palestine. The Commission encourages all OIC Member States to actively engage with this summit and contribute to a unified and effective diplomatic front that upholds international law, supports the rights of the Palestinian people and promotes a just and lasting peace in the region.
In line with its mandate, IPHRC reiterates its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to realize their right to self-determination and live in peace, dignity, and freedom. The Commission urges OIC Member States and the broader international community to intensify efforts to bring an end to the genocide in Gaza, hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for the victims.
The ongoing humanitarian blocakade perpetuated by the Israeli occupation regime is causing genocide by starvation of civilians in Gaza which represents a serious and unconscionable violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Withholding food, clean water, and essential aid from civilians, most of whom are women and children, is not only inhumane but also a moral outrage that demands global condemnation. Starvation must never be used as a weapon of war or as a means of political leverage; it constitutes a form of collective punishment that imposes immense suffering on the most vulnerable populations.
The international community must act urgently to end this cruelty, hold the Israeli occupation regime accountable, and ensure the immediate and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The Commission stands in solidarity with all those dedicated to upholding international law, defending human rights, and striving for justice in Palestine.