The 61ST Session Of The Human Rights Council
23 February – 2 April 2026
Item 7: General Debate
24 March
Statement of international lawyers and Geneva centre for justice
Delivered by Rocío Gómez Rodríguez /GICJ
Thank you Mr. President,
The systematic wide scale destruction of essential civilian infrastructure is rendering the Palestinian territory uninhabitable. The deliberate targeting of homes, hospitals, water systems, and agricultural land, alongside the blockade of humanitarian aid, is leaving the territory inhospitable.
This strategic devastation appears intended to create a permanent demographic shift, leading to the forcible removal of Palestinians, ultimately facilitating the annexation and settler conquest.
Moreover, the direct and deliberate targeting of civilians has been carried out as part of a de facto policy, facilitated by embedded systemic impunity and supported by the public opinion.
In this context and consistent with the reports’ recommendations, the International Lawyers association and Geneva Centre for Justice call for:
- the cease of the occupation and blockade;
- the immediate cessation of all arms transfers to Israel; and
- the exercise of universal jurisdiction by third States to combat impunity.
The world is watching.
Thank you.
