GICJ Statement
10 December 2024
Today, as the world observes Human Rights Day, we reflect on the ongoing struggle to uphold the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In this occasion, the call for justice and equality resonates louder than ever in the face of pervasive violations across the globe. The rights to life, dignity, and freedom remain under threat, and the collective responsibility to address these challenges has never been more urgent.
As stated by UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, in his message, under the theme “Our rights, our future, right now,” this year’s UN Human Rights campaign focuses on how human rights are a pathway to solutions, as they play a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good, particularly in times of crises.
Human Rights Violations Across the Globe
In Palestine, the systematic denial of fundamental rights persists with grave consequences for millions. The blockade on Gaza has entered its 17th year, creating an open-air prison where essential services, including healthcare, electricity, and clean water, are perpetually scarce. In the West Bank, illegal settlement expansion, land confiscations, and the demolition of Palestinian homes continue unabated, violating international law. The frequent military incursions and violence have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, including women and children. Palestinians' rights to self-determination, freedom of movement, and basic security remain elusive. The accumulation of violations by the Israeli Occupying Forces, as well as the alarming trends among the casualty figures, make the Occupying Power’s disregard for civilian life and systematic violations of International Law indisputable. Multiple international experts warn of an ongoing Genocide. The humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip requires the international community to immediately take action against Israel’s wrongdoings in every reasonable way at their disposal, to prevent a worsening of the situation.
In Syria, the devastating consequences of more than a decade of conflict continue to unfold. Around 14 million Syrians have been displaced, with many living in dire conditions as refugees or internally displaced persons. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime marked a pivotal moment in Syrian history, revealing a vast network of prisons that served as grim monuments to systemic oppression and human rights abuses. Organizations such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been urged to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these human rights violations. Furthermore, empowering civil society and supporting survivor-led initiatives will be crucial in building a foundation for accountability and human rights in post-Assad Syria. These efforts must also include comprehensive prison reform to ensure that detention facilities are no longer used as tools of repression.
In Afghanistan, The deteriorating human rights situation in the country is causing unacceptable suffering. UN bodies have documented public executions and use of corporal punishment by the Taliban, and credible reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and torture of opponents of the regime, who face discrimination and marginalisation, as do marginalised communities such as Hazaras.The rollback of women's rights has reached an unprecedented low. Girls are prohibited from attending school beyond primary levels, and women are barred from most workplaces, erasing decades of progress. The economic collapse and humanitarian crisis have left over 28 million people in need of urgent aid, while the international community struggles to engage effectively. Ethnic minorities, particularly the Hazara community, face targeted violence, highlighting the deep-seated vulnerabilities within Afghan society.
Myanmar remains mired in atrocities under military rule. The plight of the Rohingya community exemplifies the junta's oppressive regime, as hundreds of thousands remain stateless and confined to refugee camps with no access to basic rights. The situation for political dissidents, ethnic minorities, and ordinary citizens is dire, with widespread arbitrary arrests, forced labor, and systematic violence. The international community’s inability to hold the regime accountable has emboldened its actions, leaving millions in despair.
In Sudan, the devastating civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has caused immense suffering. Over 7 million people have been displaced, and ethnic violence in regions such as Darfur has escalated, echoing the horrors of past genocides. Civilians are bearing the brunt of indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence, and lack of access to humanitarian aid, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Iraq continues to grapple with the aftermath of the US invasion in 2003. The people of Iraq are suffering from a wide range of grave and systematic human rights violations including, sectarian violence, widespread corruption, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, summary executions, torture and ill-treatment in prisons and detention centres, attacks on the media, human rights defenders, besides the threat and intimidation to civil society organisations. One of the main challenges in Iraq that armed militias operate with impunity, eroding trust in state institutions. Despite promises of reform, the government failed to address these and other violations in the country .
The war in Yemen since the Houthi intervention, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 80% of the population—more than 24 million people—in need of humanitarian assistance. Children, in particular, are disproportionately affected, with millions suffering from malnutrition. The conflict has devastated infrastructure, leading to widespread famine, outbreaks of disease, and a lack of access to healthcare and education. Continued arms sales and international indifference have exacerbated the crisis, prolonging the suffering of ordinary Yemenis.
The Rise of Racism and Islamophobia
Across the globe, we are witnessing a troubling surge in racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. In many Western nations, hate crimes against migrants and Muslims have increased, fueled by divisive rhetoric and discriminatory policies. The stigmatization of migrants and refugees, reflects deep-rooted prejudices that deny individuals their basic humanity. Racial discrimination and the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to destroy lives and curtail opportunities, preventing billions of people from enjoying their full human rights and freedoms.
Islamophobic policies, such as bans on religious attire and the disproportionate targeting of Muslim communities through counterterrorism measures, have normalised exclusion and alienation. In some cases, political leaders have exploited such prejudices for electoral gains, further embedding systemic discrimination. This rise in intolerance undermines the principles of pluralism and mutual respect that are vital for peaceful coexistence.
A Call to Action
On this Human Rights Day, we are reminded that the fight for justice and equality demands collective action and unwavering resolve. Governments must be held accountable for human rights violations, while civil society and grassroots movements must be empowered to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves.
We call on the international community to:
- Protect civilians in conflict zones by enforcing international humanitarian law and holding perpetrators accountable.
- Support marginalized communities by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
- Combat racism and Islamophobia through legislation, education, and inclusive policies.
- Prioritize human rights in diplomacy, trade, and international cooperation, refusing to let political interests overshadow fundamental values.
- End Impunity all human rights violators must brought to justice, a close cooperation among all UN member states id crucial important in this regard to end impunity and achieve justice to all victims around the glob.
On this Human Rights Day, let us renew our commitment to building a world where justice prevails, rights are respected, and every individual can live with dignity and freedom.
