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Baha’is Advocate at the OSCE for Interreligious Collaboration and Education

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Sina Varaei Baha'i International Community at the OSCE
Photo credit: BIC - Sina Varaei Baha'i International Community at the OSCE

At the 2023 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, the Baha’i International Community (BIC) emphasized the importance of freedom of conscience, religion, or belief, interreligious collaboration, and education in fostering a flourishing society. The conference, organized by the 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship and supported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), focused on human rights and fundamental freedoms within the OSCE region.

Sina Varaei, a representative from the Brussels Office of the BIC, delivered a compelling statement highlighting key elements and lines of action. The BIC EU Office represents the worldwide Baha’i community to the European Institutions.

“The first point relates to freedom of conscience, religion or belief, and its importance to the flourishing of a society. Human beings are not only economic and social creatures, they are endowed with free will and it is through ensuring freedom of religion or belief that they can express their innate capacity to search for meaning and truth,” Varaei said.

He underscored the significance of interreligious endeavors, stating that it is crucial to go beyond merely coexisting and engaging in occasional dialogue. He asked, “How can we nurture deep bonds of friendship and cordial collaboration between religious communities?” Varaei stressed that these aspirations for more peaceful surroundings cannot be realized unless they are pursued jointly by faith communities.

Varaei also highlighted the power of narratives and the need to avoid “othering” parts of the population or specific religious groups. This “othering” can subtly affect language, tone, and attitudes adopted in policy-making. He pointed out that religious leaders have a powerful role but merely making condemnations or appeals for mutual tolerance is not enough.

“We need to think: what narratives are helpful, and which ones do not foster true friendship among different religious group? How can we move from repeatedly highlighting differences in doctrines, rituals or legal codes to gaining a deeper understanding of what unites different religions and aspirations?” he asked.

Finally, Varaei emphasized the role of education in promoting freedom of conscience. He called for efforts at the educational level to appreciate religious diversity as a wealth, engage with members of other beliefs with humility, and eradicate conceptions that can give the impression of superiority over other believers.

“In brief, educational systems must foster recognition that different religious communities have valuable insights to gain from each other,” he concluded.

Varaei’s presentation at the conference underscores the Baha’i International Community’s commitment to promoting interreligious dialogue, collaboration, and education as vital steps towards fostering a more peaceful and inclusive society.

A perfect day in Mechelen: itinerary and recommended activities

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A perfect day in Mechelen: itinerary and recommended activities

Mechelen, located in Belgium, is a charming medieval town brimming with history and culture. If you are looking to spend a perfect day in this city, here is an itinerary and recommended activities that will allow you to experience the best of Mechelen.

In the morning, start your day by going to the Grand Place of Mechelen, also called Grote Markt. This square is the heart of the city and is surrounded by magnificent historic buildings. Take the time to admire the Town Hall, a superb Gothic building dating from the 14th century. You can also visit the Tour Saint-Rombaut, which offers a panoramic view of the city from its top.

Next, head to Saint-Rombaut Cathedral, another architectural gem of Mechelen. This Gothic cathedral is famous for its imposing spire and houses many artistic treasures inside. Be sure to visit the Chapel of Saint-Rombaut, where you can see the tomb of Margaret of Austria, an important figure in Belgian history.

After exploring the historic center of Mechelen, take a lunch break at one of the town’s many restaurants. You can taste traditional Belgian dishes such as mussels and fries, stoemp (mashed potatoes and vegetables) or even waffles.

In the afternoon, continue your discovery of Mechelen by going to the Hof van Busleyden Museum. This museum is housed in a Renaissance building and houses a collection of works of art and historical objects related to the history of the city. You can learn more about the history of Mechelen and its role in Flemish culture.

Next, take a stroll along the canals of Mechelen. The city is crossed by several picturesque canals which offer magnificent views of historic buildings. You can also take a boat cruise to discover Mechelen in a different way.

At the end of the afternoon, go to the Botanical Garden of Mechelen. This garden is a true haven of peace in the heart of the city. You can stroll among the flowers and exotic plants, as well as enjoy a moment of relaxation in one of the many shaded corners of the garden.

To end this perfect day in Mechelen, don’t miss a visit to the Toy Museum. This museum traces the history of toys through the centuries and presents an impressive collection of old toys. Whether you are nostalgic or simply curious, this museum will amaze you.

In conclusion, Mechelen is a city that deserves to be discovered during a day visit. Its rich historical heritage, fascinating museums and charming canals make it an ideal destination for history and culture lovers. Follow this route and enjoy a perfect day in Mechelen.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

MEP Maxette Pirbakas Calls for Urgent Action on Water Crisis in French Overseas Departments

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On October 18th, 2023, at the European Parliament, MEP Maxette Pirbakas delivered a powerful speech highlighting the escalating water crisis in the French overseas departments, particularly in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Mayotte.

Maxette Pirbakas says it is unacceptable in 2023

“Mr. Chairman, Commissioner, the water crisis is reaching fever pitch in our five French overseas departments, especially in Martinique and Guadeloupe,” Maxette Pirbakas began her address. She pointed out that in Guadeloupe, it has been estimated for years that over a quarter of the population lacks access to drinking water.

“This is unacceptable. We are in two-thousand and twenty-three,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

a close up of a metal faucet with water dripping from it - Maxette Pirbakas denounces water crisis French over seas departments
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Pirbakas further highlighted the dire situation in Mayotte, where there is a total absence of water. She expressed her concern that this severe problem seems to be largely overlooked. “Commissioner, I would remind you that we are talking about a European territory that should benefit from European solidarity like any other region of the Union,” she asserted.

She attributed the crisis to decades of under-investment in water infrastructure, stating, “Today, we are paying the price of decades of under-investment in water infrastructure on French streets.” She criticized the effectiveness of cohesion funds in addressing this issue, describing them as merely “a sprinkling of money.”

In her call to action, Maxette Pirbakas implored, “I’m calling for a real comprehensive plan to be put in place, led by the Commission in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Mayotte.” She stressed that the health and livability of these territories are at stake.

Her demand includes renovating sanitation and distribution infrastructures, creating new treatment plants, and putting an end to the “pierced hosepipe” – a metaphorical reference to the ineffective and leaky water supply system.

Maxette Pirbakas‘ impassioned speech underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and effective solutions to address the water crisis in these French overseas departments. It calls for immediate attention and action from the European Union, reminding us that these territories, though distant, remain an integral part of the Union and deserve the same level of care and solidarity.

Potable water crisis threatens the quality of life

The picturesque French islands in the Caribbean, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant cultures, are facing a severe crisis that threatens the quality of life for their inhabitants: a scarcity of potable water. Despite being surrounded by vast expanses of ocean, the islands are grappling with increasing water shortages, a problem exacerbated by climate change and infrastructural challenges.

In recent decades, the islands have been experiencing longer periods of drought due to global warming and changing weather patterns[^1^]. These environmental changes have led to a rise in temperature and a decrease in rainfall, which have in turn strained the islands’ water resources[^2^]. This scarcity of water is not only a problem for the daily life of the inhabitants, but it also poses significant challenges for the islands’ agricultural sectors and could potentially impact their tourism industries.

Furthermore, the infrastructural systems that support the islands’ water supplies are compromised. Economic challenges have hindered the maintenance and development of these systems, leading to further problems in the provision of potable water[^1^]. For instance, on the French side of St. Martin, the tap water’s high chlorine content makes it unsuitable for drinking[^3^].

The water crisis in the French Caribbean islands is a complex issue with no easy solutions. It requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the environmental factors contributing to water scarcity and the infrastructural challenges that hinder the provision of potable water. As these islands continue to grapple with this crisis, it is clear that concerted efforts on a local, national, and international level will be necessary to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for their inhabitants.

[^1^]: Caribbean Currents: Water scarcity a dire problem for the islands – The Philadelphia Tribune
[^2^]: Climate change puts pressure on failing Caribbean water supplies – DW
[^3^]: Drinking water on French side – St Martin / St Maarten Forum – Tripadvisor

Société Générale Bank of Lebanon and the History Of Terrors of Iranian Madness

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brown and white concrete building
Photo by Clara Rayes on Unsplash

As Hezbollah-backed protesters stormed the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in support of Hamas, Americans may not realize these two terrorist organizations (not acknowledged by the United Nations, which lavishes millions on them) have received hundreds of millions of dollars of U.S. financial aid in the last three years alone.

The sins of Hezbollah and its coterie of Lebanese bankers – including Bank of Lebanon governor Riad Salameh and Antoun Sehnaoui, chief executive of Société Générale Bank of Lebanon (SGBL) – have recently been exposed in courtrooms in both Lebanon and the United States. 

Now Americans are relearning that their generosity has its own reward.

But there is a long global history of state-sponsored and private ‘terror financing’. And what is the end result?

Well, forty years ago this month, the then-newly formed Hezbollah inflicted the worst attack on the U.S. military since the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. A truck bomb exploded at a barracks in Beirut which killed 220 U.S. Marines and 21 other service personnel deployed in a multinational peacekeeping operation. A second truck bomb killed 58 French soldiers.

The Lebanese Shia Muslim clerics who originally established Hezbollah adopted the model set out by Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini with the support of 1,500 Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps instructors; Khomeini himself chose the name Hezbollah.

Hamas was later established by members of the Muslim Brotherhood among others in 1987 and shortly afterwards, asserted its own intention to wage a never-ending holy war against Israel. 

For most of its existence, Hamas and Iran have been strong allies. Israel says Iran provides about $100 million a year in financial aid to Hamas; the U.S. State Department reports that Iran also provides Hamas with weapons and military training. Much more comes through U.S. dollars funnelled through the UN’s Relief and Works Agency.

After the Israeli government deported 418 Hamas operatives to Lebanon in 1992, it was Hezbollah who taught them there how to build and use suicide bombs.

With an extra $50 million a year from Iran, Hamas began conducting suicide bombings against Israeli targets. 

Over time, Iran developed smuggling routes to supply Hamas with more advanced weaponry. 

And just this month, Hamas launched its largest attack on Israel since the 1967 war.

As Israel responds, questions linger – Like why is Iran so focused on terrorist attacks on the U.S. and Israel?  

And perhaps as importantly, how have organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, unabated continued to be the beneficiaries of a near systemic funnelling of money which has bared them fruit from both state sponsors such as Iran, and even from private organizations, charities and individuals, such as Riad Salameh and Antoun Sehnaoui?

Critics of U.S. policy often blame the Eisenhower Administration’s 1953 actions to oust Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, a long-time political opponent of Reza Khan (later Reza Shah Pahlavi) as a catalyst to the practice of terror financing. The Shah ruled Iran for 26 years until Khomeini, who had been in exile, took power after student-led protests ousted him and installed Khomeini as Ayatollah.

Khomeini and his successor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have long condemned the U.S. as “the great satan” and vowed to bring “death to America” and “death to Israel.” Khomeini’s hatred of the U.S. prompted his acolytes to seize the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and hold 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

In one infamous speech in 2015, Khamenei stated that Iran would not give up its support of “the oppressed people of Palestine, of Yemen, the Syrian and Iraqi governments, the oppressed people of Bahrain and sincere resistance fighters in Lebanon.”

A 2005 report by the Washington Institute chronicles Iran’s financing of Hezbollah’s campaign of terror and Hezbollah’s widespread criminal operations. Even two decades ago, Iran was providing up to $200 million a year in cash and weaponry.

Iran also funds Hezbollah through purportedly private charities and front organizations. Notably, the widely banned al-Aqsa International Foundation has funnelled millions of dollars and weapons to Hamas, al Qaeda, and Hezbollah.

As Assistant Secretary of State Anthony Wayne told Congress in 2003,

“If you are funding the organization, even if there are many charitable activities going on, there is some fungibility between funds. You are strengthening the organization”.

Sadly, even today, many have not learned this lesson.

Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah reportedly cooperate on money laundering and bank fraud – One notable case, recently unravelled by Lebanese prosecutors, targeted Salameh, Sehnaoui, and also four of Lebanon’s main exchangers for “money laundering crimes resulting from currency trading operations with the intent of exposure to the national currency.”

Michel Mecattaf’s transfer taxi company was charged with illegally laundering billions of dollars as part of the Salameh-Sehnaoui scheme that supported the bankers’ lavish lifestyles but also sent millions to Hezbollah. 

Sehnaoui and SGBL are today the primary defendants in an ongoing U.S. lawsuit filed by the families of victims of Hezbollah terrorism in which plaintiffs allege collusion with Hezbollah by a dozen Lebanese banks.

Plaintiff attorneys may win this case, but the victims’ families may have to wait … and wait … before seeing a single dime.  

For example, families of the victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks filed a lawsuit in 2010 – seven years after a federal judge ruled that Hezbollah’s attack was ordered by Iran – and three years after U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered Iran to pay them $2.65 billion.

In 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Forrest ruled to release $1.75 billion of Iranian funds, held in a New York Citibank account, to the victims. A year later, an appeals court upheld Judge Forrest’s ruling, and in 2016 so did the U.S. Supreme Court.

In March 2023, yet another federal judge ordered Bank Markazi, Iran’s central bank, and Clearstream Banking SA to pay out $1.68 billion to the long-suffering family members. 

As they await their money, the U.S. government unfroze Iranian assets, instead of compensating these and other victims of Iran-backed terrorism.

Decades ago, counterterrorism export Matthew Levitt warned that

“Should the U.S. fail to adapt the culture of our law enforcement and intelligence community, to enact appropriate laws and procedures, and to commit the necessary resources and resolve, we will find the war on terror that much harder to fight, lasting that much longer in duration, and exacting that much higher and tragic a cost in human life.”

The assault this month by Hamas on innocent concert-goers and babies proves that Levitt’s warnings have gone largely unheeded. 

Politicians and policy wonks have continued to pretend that those who have sworn blood oaths to destroy the U.S. and Israel never really meant it and have themselves lavished billions of dollars on terrorist groups in the vain hope that money can buy peace.

But the sad truth is that money given to terrorists from near innumerable sources only buys more weapons, more propaganda, more bloodshed, and much more war.

Explainer: What is international humanitarian law?

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Explainer: What is international humanitarian law?

But, what exactly are the rules of war and what happens when they are broken?

To find out more about international humanitarian law, known by its acronym IHL, UN News spoke with Eric Mongelard at the UN human rights office, OHCHR.

Here’s what you need to know:

Rules of war

International humanitarian law is as old as war. From passages in the Bible and Quran to medieval European codes of chivalry, this ever-growing set of rules of engagement aims to limit a conflict’s effects on civilians or non-combatants.

The laws represent “the very minimum rules to preserve humanity in some of the worst situations known to mankind,” Mr. Mongelard said, noting that the rules of war apply the moment an armed conflict has begun.

A UN interpreter works during a debate on international humanitarian law.

The laws in place today are primarily based on the Geneva Conventions, the first of which predates the UN by almost 200 years.

What are the Geneva Conventions?

Following Switzerland’s declaration of “perpetual” international neutrality in 1815, a neighbouring Austrian-French war in 1859 prompted Henri Dunant, a Swiss national tending to battlefield casualties, to propose what became the International Committee for Aid to the Wounded.

That group shortly thereafter transformed into the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) followed by the First Geneva Convention, signed in 1864 by 16 European nations. Since then, a growing number of nations have adopted subsequent other Geneva Conventions.

More than 180 states have become parties to the 1949 conventions. They include 150 states party to Protocol I, which extended protection under the Geneva and Hague conventions to persons involved in wars of “self-determination” which were henceforth redefined as international conflicts and also enabled the establishment of fact-finding commissions in cases of alleged breaches of the convention.

More than 145 states are party to Protocol II, which extended human rights protections to persons involved in severe civil armed conflict that had not been covered by the 1949 accords.

A young British Red Cross worker assists drought victims at a camp in Bati, Ethiopia in 1984.

New rules of war and protocols to the Geneva Conventions have developed as battlefield weaponry and warfare have become more sophisticated and sinister. 

International treaties have also emerged to ban a range of weapons triggered by 20th century conflicts, from the use of mustard gas in First World War trenches to airdropping napalm across Viet Nam. These binding conventions also oblige signatories to respect international humanitarian law.

Who is protected?

Hospitals, schools, civilians, aid workers, and safe routes to deliver emergency assistance are among people and places protected by international humanitarian law.

A protocol to the Geneva Conventions adopted in 1977 contains the “most rules” on civilian protection, Mr. Mongelard said. In general, key principles are divided into two sets of rules, with the first centred on respect for the dignity and life of a person and humane treatment. That includes prohibitions on summary executions and torture.

A boy stands inside the remains of his school in Novohryhorivka, Ukraine.

© UNICEF/Aleksey Filippov

A boy stands inside the remains of his school in Novohryhorivka, Ukraine.

The second applies to distinction, proportionality, and precaution, he said, binding every warring party. 

They cannot target civilians, must ensure operations and the weapons they choose to use would minimize or avoid civilian casualties, and must provide sufficient warning to civilian populations of an impending attack.

“Evaluating the effectiveness of a body of law is always a difficult exercise,” he said. “Anecdotal evidence shows that IHL is more often respected than not.”

Even with these laws in place, 116 aid workers died while doing their jobs in some of the world’s most dangerous places in 2022.

Since the start of the year, 62 aid workers have already been killed, 84 wounded, and 34 kidnapped, according to the UN, which cited provisional data in August from the independent research organization Humanitarian Outcomes. Since 7 October, a total of 15 UN workers have been killed in Gaza.

However, without international humanitarian law and related rules, the situation in battlefields across the world “would be far worse”, Mr. Mongelard said.

“Parties to the conflict, when they’re faced with allegations of, for example, strikes against civilians or civilian infrastructure, will always either seek to deny or seek to explain, thereby really reinforcing that they do recognize that these rules are important,” he said.

Ending impunity

“Serious violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes”, he continued. As such, all States have an obligation to criminalize those behaviours, investigate, and prosecute perpetrators.

International humanitarian law can also be violated outside of an actual war. Meanwhile, crimes against humanity have never been agreed on in a dedicated treaty of international law. At the same time, the Rome Statute provides the latest consensus of the international community on what falls within the scope. It is also the treaty that offers the most extensive list of specific acts that may constitute the crime.

The first Session of International Tribunal on War Crimes in Former Yugoslavia Opens in the Hague in 1993.

The first Session of International Tribunal on War Crimes in Former Yugoslavia Opens in the Hague in 1993.

When violations occur, mechanisms have been set up, from UN tribunals for Cambodia, Rwanda, and the former Yugoslavia to such national efforts as was seen in 2020 in the DR Congo when a military court brought a war criminal to justice.

The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002 by the Rome Statute, has also had jurisdiction over allegations of violations of international humanitarian law.

Global courtroom

The first permanent global criminal court established to help end impunity for perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the global international community, the ICC is an independent international organization, and is not part of the UN system.

But, the UN has a direct link. The ICC Prosecutor can open cases or investigations referred by the UN Security Council referral, by States parties to the Rome Statute, or based on information from reliable sources.

While not all 193 UN Member States recognize the ICC, the court can launch investigations and open cases related to allegations from anywhere in the world. Cases have been heard and decisions rendered on a range of violations, from using rape as a weapon of war to conscripting children as combatants.

The court is currently investigating 17 cases. Part of its work includes issuing arrest warrants for suspected perpetrators. This includes an outstanding warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin related to his country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Everyone can contribute

While international humanitarian law governs warring parties to a conflict, the general public has an important role to play, Mr. Mongelard said.

He warned that dehumanizing a group of people can send a message to armed forces in the vicinity that “some violations would be okay”.

“One thing that is important is avoiding the dehumanization of the other or the dehumanization of the enemy, avoiding hate speech, and avoiding incitement to violence,” he said. “That’s where the general public can contribute.”

A five-year-old boy holds up his cat amidst the wreckage of his home in Gaza.

© UNICEF/Mohammad Ajjour

A five-year-old boy holds up his cat amidst the wreckage of his home in Gaza.

As for international organizations, shortly after the Israel-Gaza conflict erupted on 7 October, the ICC opened an ongoing investigation, operating a link to provide submissions of allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression – which violate international humanitarian law.

A reminder of the warring parties’ obligations regarding the Israel-Gaza crisis was issued by the UN emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths who told the UN Security Council: “There are simple rules of war,” adding “parties to armed conflict must protect civilians.”

In the same vein, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ahmed Al Mandhari talked with UN News following the strike on a Gazan hospital.

“Health care is not a target, and it should not be a target,” “WHO is calling all conflicting parties to adhere to international humanitarian law” and “protect civilians” alongside “those health care professionals who are in the field and the ambulances”.

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Madonna Gives Impassioned Call for Social Action During London Concert

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During a recent concert in London, pop icon Madonna gave an impassioned speech touching on heavy current events and appealing to her fans’ sense of humanity. (READ AND LISTEN PART OF HER SPEECH BELOW)

What the f*** is going on in the world?

Speaking bluntly and from the heart, Madonna expressed horror at ongoing violence against children in conflicts like the Israel-Palestine crisis. “What the fuck is going on in the world?” she asked, citing graphic examples of decapitated babies and other atrocities.

The iconic singer asserted forcefully that “children belong to all of us” regardless of background, referencing author James Baldwin as inspiration for this belief in universal human bonds. She also condemned the recent stabbing death of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Chicago as a hate crime, evidence of the growing darkness she hopes to combat.

Madonna’s speech stressed that despite surface differences dividing societies, we cannot “lose our humanity” or allow our spirits to be broken by tragedy. She insisted that each person has power to “turn light on in the world” through acts of generosity, unity and consciousness.

Listen to Madonna herself delivering the speech.

Asking the London crowd “are you with me?” throughout her address, Madonna underscored her belief in collective action unconstrained by politicians or laws to drive positive change. The uplifting speech ended with Madonna rejecting helplessness in favour of lighting “enough candles” to bring light and transform consciousness.

Madonna’s frank tone and skilful blend of harsh facts, rhetorical questions, and inspirational exhortations compelled her fans to see themselves as partners in creating a more just and peaceful world. The speech exemplified Madonna’s lifelong willingness to use her global platform to promote human welfare and social progress.

Transcribed Madonna’s speech:

Madonna in her instagram account
Madonna in her Instagram account

I need to talk about children and all the things that are going on in the world right now. It would be irresponsible of me not to say something. What’s happening right now between Israel and Palestine, obviously is heartbreaking, and nobody wants to see what’s happening. I turn on social media and I, I wanna vomit. I see children being kidnapped, pulled off motorcycles, babies being decapitated, in peace raves being shot and killed.

What the fuck is going on in the world? How can human beings be so cruel to one another?

And it’s just getting worse and it frightens me and I wanna paraphrase James Baldwin who’s been a great inspiration for me all my life, and that is, the children of the world belong to all of us, each and every one of them, I don’t care where they’re from, what their headdress is, what the colour of their skin is, what their religion is.

The children belong to us, and we are responsible for them.

A six-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Chicago yesterday, it was a hate crime because he was Muslim.

Now, we have to remember that we are human beings here, we cannot lose our humanity. So, our hearts can be broken but our spirit cannot. No one can break our spirit, and you might look at what’s going on in the world and say: what the fuck? What can I do? I’m just one person, I’m helpless… No, you are not!

Each and everyone of you have the power and the ability to turn light on in the world. We are all candles. We can bring light to the world. Are you with me London? And if we turn enough light on, if we light enough candles, the collective consciousness of generosity and unity will change. No politicians, no laws, no sanctions, no land given or taken.

We with our consciousness can change the fucking world. Are you with me London? And thank you for turning your lights on! that means everything to me, that means you are listening, this is not for me, this is for all of you…

UN independent experts ‘unequivocally condemn’ violence against civilians in Israel, Gaza

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UN independent experts ‘unequivocally condemn’ violence against civilians in Israel, Gaza

In a news release, the experts denounced the ruthless attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians starting 7 October. They also stressed their concern for the victims of subsequent counter-terrorism measures by Israeli forces.

“We decry the scale of the brutal assault on mothers, children, babies, the elderly and ordinary citizens going about their daily lives on the Jewish Shabbat and on a Jewish religious holiday (Sukkot),” said Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Special Rapporteur on protection of human rights while countering terrorism, and Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

Acts of terrorism, no matter how horrific, absolutely do not justify the commission of serious violations of international law including war crimes, or crimes against humanity, the Human Rights Council-appointed experts noted.

Survivors ‘irreparably damaged’

The UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts – who are independent of any nation or the UN Secretariat – stressed that the “essence of terrorism” is the targeting of civilians, and terrorist attacks leave the victims’ families and survivors “irreparably damaged.”

In addition to the brutal attacks, an estimated 200 people including older persons, mothers, children and babies, and those seriously wounded, were kidnapped and taken hostage.

While recognizing the deep and decades long grievances and violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people under occupation, nothing justifies the targeting of civilians in this way, the release noted.

“Hostage taking is absolutely prohibited under international law and constitutes a war crime,” the experts said, highlighting that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) must be provided access to those taken hostage and they must receive medical care.

“No harm must come to the hostages taken and held incommunicado by Hamas. They must be released,” the experts said.

Families flee their shattered neighbourhood, Tal al-Hawa, to seek refuge in the southern Gaza strip.

No justification for violations against civilians

The UN experts also stressed their equal concern for victims of counter-terrorism measures. Acts of terrorism, no matter how horrific, absolutely do not justify carrying out serious violations of international law including war crimes, or crimes against humanity, the experts said. 

Echoing the UN Secretary-General’s view, they said the evacuation order to Gazans which amounted to around 1.1. million people, the majority of them children, will have devastating consequences.

They condemned the complete siege of the enclave including the cutting off of water and electricity which “may constitute the war crime of starvation of civilians”, the news release noted.

“Schools and hospitals filled with civilians – primarily women and children – cannot constitute a legitimate military target for either State or non-State armed groups,” the experts said.

“The grievous destruction of Al-Ahli hospital underscores the humanitarian consequence of non-compliance with international humanitarian law,” they added.

International plea

The experts called on all States to fulfil their obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law by all parties, including those countries in a position to exercise influence over them and ensure accountability for all violations.

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and form part of what is known as its Special Procedures. The experts are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations.

They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary.

Women’s sexual and reproductive rights an ‘unfinished agenda’

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United Nations News
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Women’s sexual and reproductive rights an ‘unfinished agenda’
UNFPA - Gambian schoolgirls learn about reproductive and menstrual health

UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday called for progress on the ‘unfinished agenda’ of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights at an event in Geneva to mark the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). 

Countries attending the landmark Conference, held in Cairo, agreed a Programme of Action which promised that women and girls must have the power to make decisions about their own lives, their bodies and their futures.

Mr. Türk commended the “leaps” made during the past three decades which include a reduction in deaths during pregnancy, and “substantial investments” in healthcare, education and social services. Many people are also living longer, healthier lives.

“But this is an unfinished agenda,” he said. “Alongside the progress, we have seen regression.”

Backlash and toxic masculinity

Mr. Türk pointed to “patchy implementation” of the principles laid out in the Programme of Action in many parts of the world.

“Gender equality backlash is spreading, denying women and girls autonomy, the capacity to choose their futures or their roles within families and households, and silencing their voices,” he said. “Toxic masculinity – and misogyny – have inflamed and normalised hate.”

Additionally, COVID-19, conflict and economic downturns have also disproportionately affected women and girls. Meanwhile, “babies don’t stop being born during conflict or disaster, and people still get pregnant.”

WHO/Occupied Palestinian Territory – Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. WHO warns that hospitals in the Gaza Strip are at a breaking point.

Pregnancy under fire

Today, roughly 50,000 women are pregnant in Gaza, where health services are currently under attack.

The earthquake in western Afghanistan this month has rendered pregnant women there even more vulnerable, while women and girls in Ukraine still need access to life-saving sexual and reproductive health services.

Furthermore, in 68 countries, an estimated 44 per cent of women who are married or partnered do not have the ability to make their own decisions on sexual relations, use of contraceptives, and healthcare.

“Women’s right to decide – free of discrimination, coercion and violence – if and when to have children, how many and with whom, needs to be guaranteed,” he said.

“This is all the more the case as progress on maternal mortality has stagnated in the last decade. Every two minutes, a woman will die due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth.”

Against unsafe abortion

He remarked that “perhaps nowhere is a woman’s autonomy and ability to make her own choices about her body and life more hotly contested than when she seeks to access safe abortion services.” 

Roughly 33 million unsafe abortions are conducted globally each year, he said, and it is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.  He welcomed action by many countries in the last five years to liberalize legislation, whether through decriminalization, expanding legal grounds for it, or removing access barriers.

Keep Cairo promise

Mr. Türk said human rights reversals of all kinds are accelerating around the globe, putting countries offtrack to achieve sustainable development and the ICPD Programme of Action, but it is not too late to course correct.

His Office is working with States to bolster their efforts towards “a human rights economy”, which puts people and the planet at the heart of all policies, plans and programmes.

“To change lives, and to save lives, we need to ensure the fundamentals promised in Cairo thirty years ago are upheld – for all women and girls, no matter their age, their migration status, or any other factor,” he said. 

He outlined what they need, namely comprehensive sexuality education; access to modern forms of contraception, including emergency contraception; access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, including safe and timely abortion services and maternal and newborn care, and the freedom to make their own choices. 

From Cairo, Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza

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United Nations News
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From Cairo, Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday appealed for humanitarian access to Gaza as essential supplies running out in the besieged enclave,.

“For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying,” he said at a press conference in Cairo alongside Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

Mr. Guterres is in the Middle East to witness UN preparations to be able to deliver massive support to Gaza.

‘A moment of profound crisis’

He is there at what he described as “a moment of profound crisis…unlike any the region has seen in decades”, triggered by the “atrocious” Hamas attacks against Israel on 7 October, resulting in Israel’s siege and relentless bombing of Gaza.

The UN chief called for two immediate humanitarian actions in the face of the humanitarian catastrophe.  

“To Hamas, for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.  To Israel, for immediate unrestricted access of humanitarian aid to respond to the most basic needs of the people of Gaza.”

He also called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to help realize them.

Safe aid delivery

Mr. Guterres underlined the need for rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. 

“We need food, water, medicine and fuel now. We need it at scale, and we need it to be sustained,” he said.

“It is not one small operation that is required. It is a sustained effort to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. In plain terms, that means humanitarians need to be able to get the aid in and they need to be able to distribute it safely.”

In this regard, he said Egypt’s El Arish airport and the Rafah crossing, the sole one open into Gaza, “are not only critical, they are our only hope” and “the lifelines” to the people there. 

He also warned of the risk of the violence spilling over, the longer the situation persists.

The Secretary-General praised Egypt for being “a pillar of multilateral cooperation and the linchpin in helping to defuse tensions and to ease colossal human pain and suffering.”

Mr. Guterres is scheduled to participate in an international summit on Gaza convened by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for this Saturday.

Ukraine war: Long-range missiles hit Russian army airfields for the 1st time

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EuropeanTimes
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Ukraine war: Long-range missiles hit Russian army airfields for the 1st time
An ATACMS missile being launched from an M270 MLRS - Wikipedia © Public Domain

Long-range missiles hit airfields in areas occupied by Russia, a mistake according to Putin

On Tuesday, October 17, Ukrainian special forces claimed to have carried out destructive strikes against two Russian army airfields in Lugansk and Berdyansk, in areas occupied by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine.

The operation enabled the destruction of takeoff runways, nine helicopters, an anti-aircraft system and an ammunition warehouse, according to a statement published on Telegram by Ukrainian special forces.

The Russian army has made no comments; Moscow very rarely discusses its own losses. But the Telegram channels Rybar and WarGonzo, close to the Russian army, reported an attack using long-range tactical missiles (ATACM) on an airfield in Berdiansk, without being able to specify the extent of the damage.

According to Rybar, followed by more than 1.2 million people, six long-range missiles were fired at Berdyansk, three of which were shot down by Russian air defense. The three remaining missiles “hit their target” by hitting an ammunition depot and damaging several helicopters “to varying degrees,” according to this source.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, without mentioning this specific case, welcomed the fact that his forces managed to strike Russian supply lines, at a time when they are engaged in a very difficult counter-offensive to liberate the occupied territories.

The same day Washington announced that it had delivered ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) with a range of 165 km to the Ukrainian forces in great secrecy so that they could shell Russian rear bases.

The next day Vladimir Putin assured that the long-range missiles delivered by the United States to Ukraine will only “prolong the agony” of the country, Kiev for its part hoping that these weapons will help it accelerate its difficult counter-attack. offensive in progress.

The Ukrainian president thanked his Western allies who delivered effective weapons as well as “every Ukrainian fighter”, saying they managed to hold their positions around Avdiivka and Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine where the Russian army attempted offensives in recent weeks.

Ukraine has been insisting for months that Europeans and Americans increase deliveries of longer-range missiles to be able to strike the Russians far behind the front and thus disrupt their logistics chain.

But so far, the West has only given a limited number of its munitions, fearing that Ukraine could use them to attack Russian territory directly as it already does with its own drones.

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