Mon Sep 09 15:30:59 UTC 2024: ## UN Rights Chief Calls for Accountability as Israel’s Actions Condemned

**Geneva, Switzerland** – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, delivered a scathing indictment of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for international accountability during the opening of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

Türk warned that the international community is “sleepwalking into a dystopian future” if it continues to ignore widespread human rights violations and the rise of violence globally. He specifically condemned Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and forced 1.9 million to flee their homes, as well as the escalating violence in the West Bank.

Türk emphasized the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and preventing a broader regional conflict, stating that “States must not—cannot—accept blatant disregard for international law.” He referenced the International Court of Justice’s ruling in July that declared Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem illegal, and called for a comprehensive solution to the conflict.

Türk also highlighted the plight of over 10,000 Palestinians currently imprisoned in Israel and the 101 hostages still being held in Gaza, urging international action to ensure their safety and release.

Beyond the Israel-Palestine conflict, Türk voiced concerns about escalating conflicts in Sudan and between Russia and Ukraine, warning against a normalization of human rights violations. He called for a shift away from “a treacherous ‘new normal'” towards a future where human rights are prioritized.

In light of the ongoing crises and upcoming elections around the world, Türk urged voters to carefully consider the human rights records of candidates and to be wary of “’strongman’ types that throw glitter in our eyes, offering illusory solutions that deny reality.” He stressed that “when one group is singled out as a scapegoat for society’s ills, one day your own might be next.”

Türk’s forceful call for accountability and his warnings about the global trajectory of human rights are sure to generate significant debate and discussion at the ongoing UN Human Rights Council session.

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