Geneva Centre Highlights Human Rights Challenges in Israel-Gaza Conflict with New Research Presentation
Geneva, Switzerland – On September 20, 2024, in a significant effort to highlight the devastating human rights consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military response, the Geneva Centre presented its latest research paper titled “Vortex of Pain: Human Rights Implications of the Israel-Gaza Armed Conflict.” The presentation was held during a special event on the margins of the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council and was hosted by the Swiss Press Club in Geneva.
The event featured a panel of distinguished experts, including Prof. Surya Deva, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development; Prof. Claire Somerville, Director of the Gender Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute; and Prof. Mara Tignino, Senior Lecturer at the University of Geneva and Deputy Director of the Platform for International Water Law at the Geneva Water Hub.
The research paper examines the vast scale of civilian suffering and violations of international law, drawing attention to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Key Findings:
- Unprecedented Destruction: The research paper reveals that the conflict has caused the most severe damage to Gaza since 2014, with widespread destruction across social and cultural sectors. Over 43 cultural heritage sites, including religious monuments and museums, have been damaged, and the collapse of healthcare infrastructure has severely limited access to essential services.
- Human Rights Violations: According to international human rights law, the right to life extends beyond protection from direct violence and includes safeguarding individuals from foreseeable threats such as famine and environmental degradation. The research paper documents Israel’s indiscriminate use of force and restrictions that have jeopardized civilians’ access to food, water, and medical care.
- Humanitarian Crisis: As the conflict continues, Gaza faces an acute shortage of essential goods, worsened by severe movement restrictions. The lack of electricity and fuel has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, impacting food security, healthcare facilities and access to the few still functioning, and sanitation. The research paper emphasizes that ongoing military operations and blockades have hindered the delivery of critical humanitarian aid and further caused the spread of diseases, particularly among babies, children and pregnant women.
- Vulnerable Populations: The research paper highlights the disproportionate impact on children, women, and other vulnerable groups. More than 600,000 children have been deprived of education, and access to medical care remains critically low for those suffering from war-related injuries. The conflict has also increased risks for pregnant women, displaced families, and people with disabilities.
- Excessive Force and Extrajudicial Actions: Allegations of extrajudicial killings, targeting of civilian infrastructure, and disproportionate military responses are widespread.
Proposals to ensure compliance with human rights
The research paper provides a succinct analysis of and offers recommendations on the means to reinforce existing domestic and international mechanisms to ensure compliance with human rights law and effective accountability, including investigations, commissions of inquiry, the role of the Human Rights Council, its complaint procedure, the role of the International Criminal Court and of civil society organizations. It further highlights the duty of Third States to exercise influence over the warring parties to change their behaviour and bring it in line with international law. Measures to do so could involve diplomatic avenues, sanctions, referrals to the UN Security Council, General Assembly and to the International Criminal Court.
About the Research Paper
The “Vortex of Pain” research paper is based on extensive research, including data from UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and media reports. It provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights violations in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, offering a detailed examination of the legal implications of the ongoing conflict.
Read the full research paper here
Watch the full recording of the event here