Chairperson of Human Rights Morocco leads international efforts and advocacy for immediate ceasefire in Palestine, enforcement of international law and protection of civilians
On November 5, 2023 Mrs. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), and Vice-Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), led international efforts and advocacy in Copenhagen, urging a joined statement by National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in solidarity with Palestine. In her advocacy, Ms Bouayach highlighted the urgent need to protect civilians, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Mrs. Bouayach chaired a special meeting, on the sidelines of GANHRI’s 14th Conference of NHRIs, held on 6-8 November 2023, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Following input from the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights (an “A” status GANHRI member), this international advocacy effort successfully culminated in a statement, in which GANHRI condemns all acts of violence aimed at civilians and calls for the cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and urgent provision of aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.
“Enough is enough,” CNDH Chairperson reiterated, condemning “the persistent siege of an entire population whose homes, shelters, hospitals, schools and places of worship face relentless bombing.” GANHRI Vice-Chairperson added that this situation is “unacceptable”.
“We cannot tolerate that people of Gaza are denied access to basic necessities for survival. This must come to an end immediately”, she concluded.
On the 6th of November, 18 UN agencies issued a joint statement reiterating the call to all parties to respect all their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law and to immediately and unconditionally release all civilian hostages.
Similar to GANHRI’s statement, the UN agencies called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, renew their call for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians held hostage, and the protection of civilians and infrastructure, including hospitals, shelters and schools. More aid – food, water, medicine and of course fuel – must enter Gaza safely, swiftly and at the scale needed, and must reach people in need, especially women and children, wherever they are, the statement concluded.