Press Release: CSVR Statement on the Human Rights Situation in Gaza, Palestine
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Press Release
20 October 2023
Gauteng: CSVR Statement on the Human Rights Situation in Gaza, Palestine
Contact: Annah Moyo, Executive Director, Email: amoyo@csvr.org.za Tel: +2711 4035650
Karen Pillay: Business Continuity and Communications Manager, Email: kpillay@csvr.org.za
Mobile: +2773 097 5583
Alternative Email address: communication@csvr.org.za
The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) is deeply concerned about the extensive human rights violations in Gaza, Palestine and expresses its unwavering commitment to advocating for the protection of human rights and a peaceful, resolution of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.
The situation in Gaza, Palestine remains one of our time's most pressing and protracted humanitarian crises. CSVR condemns the ongoing violence and the severe violations of international humanitarian law that have resulted in the loss of lives and the suffering of countless innocent civilians, especially women, children and the elderly.
CSVR stands in solidarity all civilians in this region who bear the consequences from the war between Hamas and Israel. We believe that a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential for lasting peace in the Middle East. It is crucial for all parties involved to come to the table and engage in dialogue, working towards a peaceful, two-state solution based on internationally recognised borders. At this point, CSVR believes that a genuine application of transitional justice tools by the relevant stakeholders is crucial to addressing the underlying causes of the current conflict.
Critical Points of CSVR's Position on the Palestine Human Rights Violations:
- Respect for International Law: CSVR emphasises the importance of all parties involved in the conflict respecting international humanitarian law, which is designed to protect civilians during armed conflicts. The deliberate targeting of civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and the use of civilians as human shields must cease immediately.
- Protection of Civilians: The protection of civilians, including women and children, is of paramount importance. CSVR calls for an end to the indiscriminate use of force and the protection of the rights and dignity of all individuals living in warring Gaza.
- Peaceful Resolution: CSVR urges all parties to the conflict to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution. The international community must play a role in facilitating negotiations and supporting the peace process.
- Humanitarian Aid and Assistance: CSVR calls for increased humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians living in dire conditions, particularly in Gaza, and to ensure access to essential services and supplies. CSVR also calls on the conflicting parties to provide safe passage for humanitarian supplies.
CSVR remains committed to raising awareness about the human rights situation in Gaza, Palestine and advocating for peace and justice. Of great concern is the immediate impact of this violence and the impact of collective trauma that future generations will bear. We call upon the international community, and civil society to work together to end the suffering in Palestine, uphold human rights, and achieve a just and lasting peace. CSVR can provide technical support as regards the implementation of transitional justice initiatives as the necessary response towards a transformative and peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
About the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation: We are dedicated to promoting social justice, human rights, and peace around the world.
The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) is an independent non-governmental organisation established in South Africa in 1989. It is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national, regional and global levels. We do this through collaboration with and learning from the lived and diverse experiences of communities affected by violence and conflict which informs innovative interventions; generates knowledge; shapes public discourse; influences policy; holds States accountable; promotes gender equality, social cohesion, integration and active citizenship.
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
