UN reminds Germany of legal duties after Berlin lifts arms export curbs on Israel

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

GENEVA (AA) - The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Tuesday reminded Germany of its international obligations after Berlin decided to lift restrictions on arms exports to Israel.

OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan, responding in writing to Anadolu on the German government’s reported decision, underlined that as a state party to the Arms Trade Treaty, Germany has "additional obligations to assess the potential that arms exports could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law."

Asked how the UN rights office views the move at a time when Israel continues its attacks on Gaza despite a ceasefire, Al-Kheetan stressed that international humanitarian law applies not only during active hostilities but also throughout ceasefires, and that human rights must be respected at all times.

"We reiterate that third States have a responsibility to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, and accordingly to ensure that their arms transfers do not lead to the commission of violations thereof," he said.

Al-Kheetan added that the UN rights office encourages states to take a precautionary and protective approach when there is doubt about how exported weapons might be used, including by refraining from proceeding with a transfer.

The German government had reportedly decided to lift the restrictions imposed on arms exports to Israel over its attacks on Gaza.

Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told the German Press Agency on Monday that the Aug. 8 announcement regarding certain weapons exports to Israel was no longer valid due to “changed circumstances,” and that the restrictions would be lifted as of Nov. 24.