UN Rights Chief Türk: Most People Care About Human Rights and Reject Cruelty; Next Israeli Government Must Change Course of Warfare
UN News reported on October 28 that UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told a press briefing in New York that the vast majority of people around the world care about human rights and reject cruelty. Youth-led protests against corruption and inequality in Serbia, Bangladesh, Nepal and Madagascar reflect a growing demand for reinforcing human rights, he said, calling for greater respect for international law, especially the rights of civilians trapped in conflict zones.
On Gaza, Mr. Türk said Palestinians are now confined to around 30 per cent of the territory, face severe shortages of food and essential services, and continue to be killed by Israeli forces. He urged the next Israeli Government, following Tuesday's election, to change course massively and respect international humanitarian law: "Don't continue the current course of warfare where you think you are above international law."
He also rejected accusations that the UN only condemns Israel, stressing that it has repeatedly denounced the 7 October attacks and closely monitors abuses by Hamas and Palestinian authorities. He expressed particular concern over reports of extrajudicial executions by Hamas militants.
Mr. Türk said UN monitoring in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria was "extremely important," because it keeps decision-making factual and makes sure the world is properly informed. Many advocates feel isolated, he added, but the reality is that most people stand with them.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：联合国人权事务高级专员 Volker Türk。照片：CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
