Alice Edwards, the UN Human Rights Council-appointed Particular Rapporteur on Torture, additionally condemned the killing of six Israeli hostages earlier this month and known as for a right away finish to hostilities on all fronts.
Roughly 250 Israelis and overseas nationals have been taken hostage throughout the 7 October 2023 terror assault by Hamas and different Palestinian armed teams in southern Israel, which additionally claimed over 1,250 lives, together with girls and kids.
Ninety-seven hostages are nonetheless unaccounted for, presumed to be held in Gaza, which has been underneath an intense Israeli navy offensive for the reason that assaults.
Threats intensify as time passes
“As time passes by, the threats to the life and well-being of the hostages intensifies, and the urgency of motion to make sure their launch and put an finish to the struggle grows,” Ms. Edwards mentioned in a information launch.
She additionally voiced “excessive concern” over reviews that some feminine hostages had been subjected to sexual violence.
“I consider provided that we’re capable of have empathy for all these affected by this horrible armed battle will peace ever be achieved. Human rights apply to everybody with out distinction of any variety.”
The Particular Rapporteur was talking after having met with launched hostages and households of those that are nonetheless lacking.
In southern Israel rescue employees stand in a road which suffered vital injury throughout the assault by Hamas and different Palestinian armed teams on 7 October 2023.
Devastating and painful battle
Ms. Edwards described the continuing battle as a “devastating and deeply painful” one, by which tens of 1000’s of lives have been misplaced.
“The perpetration of worldwide crimes of all types and by all perpetrators should be investigated absolutely, independently and impartially, and people accountable subjected to the best penalties,” she mentioned, stressing that every one UN Member States “should attempt to finish the torment of Palestinians and Israelis alike with none additional delay.”
The Particular Rapporteur has been engaged on a number of points of the battle, together with sending communications to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas concerning the hostages.
She additionally addressed Israeli authorities concerning allegations of torture and mistreatment of detained Palestinians, calling for his or her humane and dignified remedy, and swift launch if detained arbitrarily.
Unbiased professional
The Particular Rapporteur is tasked with monitoring and reporting on the state of affairs of torture and different merciless, inhuman, or degrading remedy or punishment worldwide.
Ms. Edwards, who has held the function since July 2022, is impartial of the UN system and serves in her particular person capability. She is just not a UN workers member and doesn’t draw a wage for her work.
