Open letter signed by hundreds calls for immediate action on the human rights violations in Gaza
October 24, 2023More than 300 individuals and civil society organisations from NI have signed on open letter, addressed to the UK Government and Parliament, urging immediate action on the human rights violations being committed in Gaza.
Coordinated by the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) and UNISON NI, the letter is in direct response to the indiscriminate attacks against Palestinian civilians and infrastructure in Gaza by Israeli forces, including the deprivation of essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medicine – all of which is in grave breach of international law.
The letter has been sent to the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak; the Leader of the Opposition, Keir Stramer; and the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly; in addition to other key political figures.
The signatories endorse the UN’s unequivocal condemnation of the targeted and deadly violence directed at civilians in Israel and the violent and indiscriminate attacks against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, accompanied by a further tightening of the unlawful blockade, all of which is having a devastating impact on the whole civilian population.
The letter calls on the UK Government and Parliament to voice its support for “all necessary immediate action to stop the ongoing human rights violations and breaches of international law that are being committed in Gaza”.
Specifically, the letter asks that the UK government adhere to international law in its public statements; refrain from abetting violations of international law; indicate support for the UN Security Council Resolution calling for a ceasefire; and contribute to the provision of humanitarian aid. It calls for urgent steps to be taken by the government to help ensure humanitarian supplies are provided to those in Gaza and that any hostages are returned safely to Israel.
Additionally, the letter requests that disinformation and misinformation constituting “propaganda for war” on social media platforms, and in other media outlets, is immediately addressed to prevent further escalation of heightened tensions.
UNISON Regional Secretary, Patricia McKeown, one of the signatories to the letter, commented: “It is profoundly shocking that Western powers have given Israel license to continue breaking international law; quite clearly we are on the brink of genocide.”
The letter references the NI conflict and says the lesson from this is stark: “The only way to achieve peace is through respect for all human life and the application of the rule of law. Both of which are absent from the unfolding conflict in Gaza.”
The full text of the letter can be read here.
Please direct media enquiries to Robyn Scott, Communications & Equality Coalition Coordinator on robyn@caj.org.uk or 075 1994 1203.