UNRWA says scale of suffering witnessed in Gaza has shaken faith in human rights

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned yesterday that the scale of suffering witnessed in Gaza over the past year has shaken many people’s faith in human rights. UNRWA made its comment on social media in a post marking International Human Rights Day. The UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December, 1948.

“Today marks International Human Rights Day,” said UNRWA. The extent of suffering witnessed in Gaza over the past year has shaken faith in many people’s faith in human rights. The rights being denied to people in Gaza are the same rights intended to protect all of us. We all have a stake in Gaza.”

The agency pointed out that universal human rights are the “best guarantee” there is of a world where all individuals can live in dignity, security, equality and freedom. “We all have a stake in safeguarding and advancing human rights. We all have a stake in building a future where respect for human rights, dignity and accountability are not postponed but delivered.”

In a previous post, also marking Human Rights Day, UNRWA stressed everyone’s right to security, right to dignity, right to be free from violence, right to be free from displacement, right to have access to adequate food, water, sanitation, clothing and housing.” It added that, “The rights denied to Palestinians in Gaza are not privileges.”

UNRWA ended its statement by reiterating its call for a “ceasefire now” in the Gaza Strip.

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