Call from the UN rapporteurs for Gaza: investigate

In the written statement of the United Nations (UN) rapporteurs, all parties were called upon to protect civilians and fulfill their obligations under international law in the field of ongoing conflicts.

The statement, which called on the de facto authorities of Israel, Palestine and Gaza for full cooperation in the field of investigation, said: “Independent investigators should be provided with the necessary resources, support and access to enable them to carry out prompt, exhaustive and impartial investigations into crimes allegedly committed by the parties to the conflict.”

“HE MUST BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE”

Recalling that the duty to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity, including all types of extrajudicial executions, torture or attacks on human dignity, is a fundamental legal obligation, the statement said: “The international community must ensure that those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as other international crimes committed in conflicts, “in particular, it must ensure that those with command responsibilities are brought to justice immediately.”

NO WAITING TIME

The statement emphasized that such crimes do not prescribe and fall within the scope of universal jurisdiction, and that this means that the court of any country can exercise the authority to prosecute those responsible, regardless of their nationality and the country. where the crimes were committed.

The statement also called on all countries to “play a proactive role in identifying key alleged perpetrators and help facilitate prosecutions through the principle of mutual legal assistance.”

INVESTIGATIONS AT THE ICC

It was also stated that the ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry to examine and document all available evidence on crimes committed to date in the territories are welcomed. occupied Palestinians, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel.

The statement also emphasized that victims, survivors and their families should be able to participate in all types of proceedings to ensure justice.

UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEURS

The UN special rapporteurs are known as part of the process recognized as special mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.

The special “independent” mechanisms of the UN Human Rights system stand out as independent information gathering and monitoring mechanisms of the Council that address the situation of a particular country or thematic issues in other parts of the world.

Experts from special mechanisms that are not within the institution carry out their work independently and voluntarily. (AA)