'There must be accountability for all violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law,' says Volker Turk
The UN human rights chief on Thursday expressed concern over Israel's "unlawful presence" in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, calling for accountability for all violations.
Speaking at the Helsinki+50 Conference, which is held in the Finnish capital Helsinki, Volker Turk said that the root causes of conflict often lie in inequalities and human rights violations and are fueled by dehumanization and discrimination. "These dynamics can be seen today in Gaza, in Sudan and elsewhere."
"Israel must end its unlawful presence, and there must be accountability for all violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law," he noted.
He pointed out the huge number of civilian deaths in the Israeli bombardments of Gaza, the repeated forced displacement and the unlawful restrictions imposed on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid.
Turk also said that people are being killed while seeking food in Gaza and harassment of Palestinians by Israeli settlers and security forces in the occupied West Bank continues.
"It is clear that the war must end," he said, adding that hostages held by Hamas must also be released.
Hosted by Finland, Helsinki+50 Conference marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which was signed to improve relations between the Eastern and Western blocs during the Cold War by addressing security, economic, and humanitarian issues.
