On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, human rights organizations emphasize the need to hold the leaders of the occupation accountable (Joint Statement)
The undersigned human rights organizations commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which was called for by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977 under resolution (32/40 B), at a historic moment when Palestinians – especially in the Gaza Strip – are experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian tragedies in history, amidst the ongoing Israeli occupation's policies of genocide, blockade, starvation, and systematic destruction of housing and essential services.
This commemoration comes during a fragile ceasefire that has not yet ended the humanitarian disaster faced by more than two million people in the Gaza Strip, where residents remain deprived of the most basic necessities of life: food, water, healthcare, electricity, and shelter, while hundreds of thousands are living in the open and among the rubble after entire neighborhoods were leveled due to intensive Israeli bombardment.
"Hind Rajab" as a witness to the brutality of the occupation
Under the General Assembly resolution No. (60/37) of 2005, this year's events for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People continue, and are set to conclude on December 4th with the screening of the documentary film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" at the United Nations headquarters in New York, directed by Tunisian Oscar-nominee Kaouther Ben Hania.
The film documents the story of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed in January 2024 in the Tel al-Hawa area south of Gaza, after the Israeli occupation forces targeted the car she was in with her family, resulting in the immediate martyrdom of all her companions, while Hind remained trapped among them for days.
Despite her repeated calls for help to ambulance crews, the occupation forces targeted the rescue team that attempted to reach her, and the girl was found after 12 days, having passed away.
The story of Hind – along with thousands of other stories – clearly reveals the extent of the brutality and the blatant violation of international humanitarian law, including the targeting of civilians, obstructing relief efforts, and hindering rescue operations, all of which are war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Demands of human rights organizations
On this occasion, human rights organizations affirm the following:
That mere solidarity and routine events are no longer effective in light of the ongoing Israeli occupation and its repressive policies, as the occupation is the root cause of the suffering of the Palestinian people, and lasting peace cannot be achieved without its complete end and holding its leaders accountable.
That what is happening in the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, constitutes a complete genocide as defined in the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, necessitating urgent and binding international action.
The necessity for governments around the world and international bodies to pressure the Israeli occupation authorities to respect international humanitarian law, cease targeting civilians, and allow immediate and unconditional entry of humanitarian aid and rescue teams into the Gaza Strip without conditions.
Support for UN efforts to organize solidarity events, including the annual exhibition of Palestinian rights, highlighting the crimes committed against them, and encouraging countries to provide extensive media coverage of this occasion.
Support for the measures announced by the International Court of Justice regarding the case brought against Israel, and expedite the enforcement of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against the leaders of the occupation for their responsibility in committing the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, in addition to crimes against humanity including intentional killing, persecution, and other inhumane acts.
Reaffirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on all Palestinian territory with Jerusalem as its capital, as an inalienable right that cannot be extinguished by the passage of time.
The undersigned organizations commend all documented UN reports on the genocide crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip, and renew their solidarity with human rights experts who face intimidation for carrying out their responsibilities under international law, especially Ms. Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, and commend her efforts in uncovering the truths and exposing misleading narratives.
In conclusion, as human rights organizations, we affirm that the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is not merely a symbolic occasion, but a global call to renew the moral and legal commitment to a people facing the worst forms of occupation, killing, and siege for decades.
Human rights organizations emphasize that true solidarity begins with condemning violations, working diligently to end impunity, and supporting the rights of Palestinians to establish their fully sovereign state, end the occupation, and live with dignity and security on their land.
The undersigned organizations:
Al-Karama for Human Rights – Geneva
Association of Victims of Torture – Geneva
Al-Shehab Center for Human Rights – London
Voice of Freedom Organization
EFDI International
Justice for Human Rights - JHR
Solidarity for Human Rights
