DaysofPal- The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has called on the United Nations to include Israel on its blacklist of entities involved in sexual violence in conflicts.
This appeal follows allegations of systematic and widespread acts of sexual violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians since October 7, 2023, which the group describes as grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
The press release highlights Israel’s refusal to cooperate with UN bodies, including the Special Representative on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Pramila Patten. This obstruction, Euro-Med Monitor says, is a deliberate attempt to cover up the systematic use of sexual violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians, including prisoners and detainees.
“Israel’s repeated refusal to cooperate with all UN investigations into sexual violence highlights the Israeli government’s exploitation of the allegations of this grave crime as a propaganda tool,” said Ramy Abdu, Chairman of Euro-Med Monitor. He accused Israel of using such allegations to divert attention from broader accusations of crimes against humanity.
The group has documented numerous incidents of sexual violence, including cases of rape and sexualized torture against Palestinian civilians, detainees, and prisoners. Among the testimonies gathered by Euro-Med Monitor is an account from a detainee who reported being raped by Israeli police dogs at the Sde Teiman detention camp.
A lawyer who witnessed the ordeal described it as “one of the most awful things I witnessed.” In another case, a detainee allegedly died after being raped with an electric baton by Israeli forces.
The rights group noted that these acts are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign aimed at punishing and humiliating Palestinians.
The Euro-Med Monitor stated that Israel’s actions violate international law, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The rights group called for the immediate inclusion of Israel on the UN’s sexual violence blacklist and demanded comprehensive investigations into these allegations.
The group also urged for reparations for victims and accountability for perpetrators through mechanisms like the International Criminal Court.
The Euro-Med Monitor emphasized that Israel’s systematic use of sexual violence, coupled with its refusal to cooperate with international investigations, underscores the urgent need for global action.
Numerous reports from organizations such as the UN Human Rights Office, Amnesty International, and B’Tselem support these claims.
A June 2024 report by the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory documented a significant increase in the range, frequency, and severity of sexual violence perpetrated by Israeli Security Forces against Palestinians since October 2023.
The Euro-Med Monitor reiterated its call for international accountability, stressing the importance of ensuring justice for victims and their families.
The group stressed that Israel’s persistent impunity and systemic protections for individuals accused of these crimes highlight the need for urgent intervention.
As evidence of these atrocities continues to mount, the demand for justice for victims of sexual violence in the Palestinian territories grows. The UN and the international community are facing increasing pressure to address these allegations and ensure accountability for those responsible.
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