Alice Edwards, the particular rapporteur on torture appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council, additionally condemned the killing of six hostages earlier this month and known as for an instantaneous finish to all points of hostilities.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas and different Palestinian armed teams launched a terrorist assault in southern Israel, taking roughly 250 Israelis and foreigners hostage and killing greater than 1,250 folks, together with girls and youngsters.
The whereabouts of 97 hostages stay unknown and are presumed to be being held in Gaza, which has been below heavy Israeli navy assault for the reason that assault.
Threats intensify over time
“As time passes and the threats to the lives and well-being of the hostages change into extra extreme, so does the urgency to behave to safe their launch and finish the conflict,” Ms. Edwards stated within the launch.
She additionally expressed “excessive concern” about stories of sexual violence towards some feminine hostages.
“I imagine that peace can solely be achieved if we will empathize with all these affected by this horrible armed battle. Human rights apply to everybody, with out distinction.
The Particular Rapporteur made the remarks after assembly with the households of launched hostages and lacking individuals.
devastating and painful battle
Ms Edwards described the continuing battle as a “devastating and deeply painful” battle that has left tens of 1000’s of individuals useless.
“Worldwide crimes of all types have to be investigated comprehensively, independently and impartially by all perpetrators, and people accountable have to be punished with the harshest doable punishment,” she stated. She careworn that each one United Nations Member States “should work to finish the violence towards Palestine.” “The torments of males” and the Israelites did the identical, not delaying. “
The Particular Rapporteur has been specializing in a number of points of the battle, together with sending letters to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas on the hostage difficulty.
She additionally addressed the Israeli authorities over allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detained Palestinians, calling for his or her humane and dignified remedy and their speedy launch in circumstances of arbitrary detention.
unbiased skilled
The Particular Rapporteur is tasked with monitoring and reporting on conditions of torture and different merciless, inhuman or degrading remedy or punishment all through the world.
Ms. Edwards has held this place since July 2022 and serves in a private capability, unbiased of the United Nations system. She isn’t a UN workers member and doesn’t obtain a wage for her work.
