Attachments
From
Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Jeremy Laurence
Location
Geneva
The ceasefire in Lebanon comes as huge relief for the millions who have endured so much suffering over the past 13 months. The High Commissioner for Human Rights urges all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement in full for the benefit of all civilians, and to resolve any differences of implementation within the framework of the agreement and applicable law. The focus must now turn to facilitating all necessary help to those in need. Human rights must be at front and centre of this next phase.
Many will not have liveable homes to return to. Hospitals, schools, places of worship and other vital infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged. Ensuring protection to those in vulnerable situations must be a priority.
The High Commissioner urges all political actors in Lebanon to put aside their differences and act in solidarity for the well-being of the deeply traumatised population. The international community, now more than ever, must also provide support.
On both sides of the Israel/Lebanon border, the enormous numbers of people forced to flee their homes on account of the conflict must be able to return knowing that they will be safe and can get on with their lives.
Accountability is also essential. Violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law must be investigated -- independently and thoroughly.
Rule of law and accountability for human rights violations are critical for prevention of violations and renewed conflict and for the building and sustaining of peace and inclusive development.
The cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and northern Israel also renews focus on the continuing violence and loss of life in Gaza, where civilians have same claims to peace, security and ability to return home. The High Commissioner renews his urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The killing must end. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. Those arbitrarily detained must be released. And every effort must be made to urgently provide the full quantities of food, medicine and other vital assistance desperately needed in Gaza.
This morning, we are joined from Amman by our colleague Ajith Sunghay, who leads the Protection Cluster, a network of actors including the UN, local and international non-governmental organisations working on protection, human rights and humanitarian issues. He returned from Gaza yesterday, having spent the past week there.
For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Geneva
Ravina Shamdasani: +41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org
Liz Throssell: +41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org
Jeremy Laurence: +41 22 917 9383 / jeremy.laurence@un.org
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