Türk Calls for an End to Rising Violence in the West Bank and for Accountability
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed his deep concern over the rising violence in the occupied West Bank and called for an end to this alarming trend. In a statement, Türk condemned the recent killing of two Palestinian teenagers in separate incidents involving Israeli forces. Recalling the fundamental principle of international human rights law that all people have the right to life, he stressed that “the use of lethal force must always be a last resort, and that the deprivation of life must be justified on a case-by-case basis.” Türk emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability for human rights violations in the West Bank. He noted that, in recent years, the UN Human Rights Office has documented a pattern of excessive and unnecessary use of force by Israeli security forces in the occupied Palestinian territory. “These incidents raise serious concerns about the potential for impunity, which further perpetuates a cycle of violence,” Türk said. “It is essential that there be prompt, independent, impartial, and effective investigations into all allegations of human rights violations.” The High Commissioner called for concerted efforts by all parties concerned to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence. He urged the Israeli authorities to take all necessary measures to protect the civilian population, including children, in the occupied West Bank. “Respect for human rights and the rule of law are essential to achieving a lasting peace,” Türk concluded. “The increasing violence in the West Bank is undermining the prospects for a just and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
Türk calls for an end to rising violence in the West Bank and for accountability
11 September 2023
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Sunday called for an end to the rising violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and for accountability for all violations of international law. “I am deeply concerned by the escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 90 Palestinians and 10 Israelis so far this year,” Türk said in a statement. He noted that the majority of Palestinian fatalities have occurred in the context of Israeli security operations, while the majority of Israeli fatalities have been caused by shooting attacks carried out by Palestinians. “I call on all parties to take immediate steps to end the violence and restore calm,” Türk said. “I also call for thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all incidents of violence, and for those responsible to be held accountable.” Türk stressed that international law must be respected by all parties, and that the use of lethal force must be a last resort and must comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality. “I urge all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and to work towards a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” he said.