UN's top official on genocide 'horrified' at situation in Middle East

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) – The UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide on Friday said she remains "horrified" at the situation in the Middle East and at the "unbearable loss of life" in the region.

"Civilians should never pay the price of a conflict for which they bear no responsibility. Their most basic rights must be protected and preserved, and their humanitarian needs must be met," Alice Wairimu Nderitu said in a statement.

Nderitu's statement came after 16 Palestinian human rights organizations and NGOs on Wednesday sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The organizations expressed disappointment over Nderitu’s "failure to fulfill the duties outlined in her mandate" as she issued only one statement, dated Oct. 15, on the Gaza war, where at least 27,947 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and 67,459 injured since Oct. 7.

Echoing the words of Guterres, Nderitu, reiterated that violations of international humanitarian law can never justify the collective punishment of the people in Gaza.

"Civilians must be protected at all times on both sides," she said.

Calling on all relevant actors to strengthen their resolve to find solutions to end this conflict, Nderitu said: "This requires first and foremost ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructures in accordance with international law.

"And includes the safe return of all hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza as well investigating acts of sexual violence reportedly committed in the context of the attacks of 7 October 2023 and their aftermath."

Nderitu was also criticized over the "glaring absence of any action in response to the sustained mass atrocities endured by Palestinians in Gaza” and over her absence which is "particularly glaring" given the recent provisional ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel.

Last month, the ICJ issued an interim order demanding Israel stop obstructing aid deliveries into Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation in the enclave, following a lawsuit by South Africa accusing Tel Aviv of committing genocide.

"Taking note" of the ICJ's order, Nderitu said: "Neither the Secretary-General nor the Special Adviser take a position in relation to ongoing judicial proceedings before the Court."

Nderitu also echoed Guterres’ concern over the spillover effects seen in the West Bank and across the region and urged the immediate de-escalation of tensions.

"Inflammatory remarks, dehumanizing rhetoric and hate speech can only contribute to ignite further violence and reduce the space for ending the conflict. Political leaders have a special responsibility to refrain from using such hateful narratives and implement all possible measures to defuse ongoing tensions," she added.

Reiterating her concern at the impact of the conflict across the world, Nderitu said: "It is essential that all efforts are put in place for communities to co-exist peacefully and for all grievances to be addressed constructively and peacefully."