18 August 2006
Front Line: the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, together with our partners in the Middle East, issue this joint statement regarding the current crisis in the region:
We, the undersigned, defenders of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, supporters of the rule of law, promoters of democracy and freedom, from all religions and beliefs, across the Middle East;
· Insist that the ceasefire is lasting and effective and that all perpetrators of atrocities are brought to justice;
· Call for all sides to respect international humanitarian law (including the Geneva Conventions) and international human rights law to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian access;
18 August 2006
Front Line: the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, together with our partners in the Middle East, issue this joint statement regarding the current crisis in the region:
We, the undersigned, defenders of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, supporters of the rule of law, promoters of democracy and freedom, from all religions and beliefs, across the Middle East;
· Insist that the ceasefire is lasting and effective and that all perpetrators of atrocities are brought to justice;
· Call for all sides to respect international humanitarian law (including the Geneva Conventions) and international human rights law to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian access;
· Urge the necessity of promoting democracy and respect for human rights in the Middle Eastern countries in order to reach a lasting peace;
· Call for an end to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territory and parts of Lebanon and Syria.
As human rights defenders we are very mindful of the necessity for all to join in the political and ideological battle against terrorism through education and through dealing with the root causes of terrorism.
Israel’s long-standing and ongoing violations of international law – with unwavering support from the USA – undermine respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy.
Until there is full respect for international law, including a just solution to the Palestinian question based on international law, there can be no lasting peace in the Middle East.
The current policies pursed by Israel and the USA can only mean that polarization and conflict will characterize all of our lives – East and west – for generations to come.
Signatories
1 Mr. Raji Sourani, Palestine, PCHR
2 Ms. Roula Mikhael, Lebanon, Journalist and Human Rights Defender
3 Ms. Suad Mohammed Al Qdsi, Yemen, Women’s Forum for Researches and Training
4 Mr. Abdul Hadi Al Khawajah, Bahrain, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights
5 Mr. Nabeel Rajab, Bahrain, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights
6 Mr. Ali Hasan Abdul Imam, Bahrain, Bahrain Forum
7 Mr. Aktham Naisse, Syria, Cham Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies,CDF
8 Ms. Mania El-Endari, Syria, Cham Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies,CDF
9 Mr. Ali Salim Al Tamek, Western Sahara, Human Rights Defender
10 Mr. Ahmed Inconnu, Western Sahara, Human Rights Defender
11 Mr. Ibrahim Almugaiteeb, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights First
12 Mr. Amine Abdelhamid, Morocco, The Moroccan Association for Human Rights
13 Mr. Mahfoud Hassan, Morocco, The Moroccan Association for Human Rights
14 Mr. Fouad Abdelmoumni, Morocco, The Moroccan Association for Human Rights
15 Ms. Sihem Bensedrine, Tunisia, National Council for Freedoms in Tunisia
16 Mr. Omar Al Mesteery, Tunisia, National Council for Freedoms in Tunisia
17 Ms. Radhia Nasraoui, Tunisia, The Tunisian Association to Resist Torture
18 Mr. AbdulRauf Ayadi, Tunisia, Defence Committee for the Victims of the State Terrorism
19 Dr. Sahib Al Hakim, Iraq, The Organisation for Human Rights in Iraq
20 Dr. Bayan Al Arajy, Iraq, Human Rights Defender
21 Mr. Khalid Ibrahim, Iraq, The Iraqi Human Rights Organisation
22 Ms. Shadi Sadr, Iran, Raahi
23 Ms. Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh, Iran, NGOTC
24 Mr. Sofiane Chouiter, Algeria, Lawyer for the Families of the Forced disappearings
25 Mr. Najad Al Bourey, Egypt, Development of Democracy Group
26 Dr. Ishai Menuchin, Israel, Yesh Gvul
27 Safia Fahassi, Algeria, human rights defender
