South Africa has welcomed the adoption of a United Nations Human Rights Council UNHRC) resolution calling for Israeli officials responsible for violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws to be held accountable for their actions.
In a landmark move, the UNHRC on Monday adopted Resolution A/HRC/L.30 on the Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Obligation to Ensure Accountability and Justice.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the move signalled a critical step toward justice and accountability in the occupied Palestinian territory.
“The adoption of the resolution is historic as this is the very first time that the Human Rights Council has taken action on the unprecedented human tragedy taking place in Gaza, where at least 32,975 Palestinians have been killed… since Israel launched its onslaught over 180 days ago,” the department said on Tuesday.
Among other things, the resolution calls for perpetrators of violence those responsible for violations of international humanitarian and international human rights laws to face the consequences and “highlights the need to ensure the provision of an effective remedy for all victims and the need to pursue practical steps to ensure the prevention of future violations and international crimes.”
The resolution emphasizes the provision of an effective remedy for all victims. Families torn apart, homes destroyed, and futures shattered demand more than rhetoric—they demand reparations and healing.
As part of this process, the resolution recognises the importance of the order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that indicated provisional measures in the genocide case lodged by South Africa against Israel in December 2023.
In two landmark judgements in January and March, respectively, the ICJ ordered Israel to halt its military offensive against the Palestinian enclave of Gaza and to allow the movement of humanitarian aid.
The Jewish state has, however, ignored the court orders and continued with its bombardment of Gaza that began in October 2023.
JN/APA