DEMOCRACY WILL BRING PEACE TO MIDEAST SAY ACTIVISTS
Published: 21st August 2006
DEMOCRACY and human rights must be promoted in Middle Eastern countries if a lasting peace in the region is to be reached, an international coalition of human rights defenders and human rights activists.
Terrorism needs to be countered through education and by dealing with its root causes, says the Front Line International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in a joint statement issued by human rights workers from Bahrain, Yemen, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Israel.
“Israel’s long-standing and ongoing violations of international law – with unwavering support from the US – undermine respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy,” says the statement, which is co-sponsored by the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) and the Bahrain Forum.
DEMOCRACY WILL BRING PEACE TO MIDEAST SAY ACTIVISTS
Published: 21st August 2006
DEMOCRACY and human rights must be promoted in Middle Eastern countries if a lasting peace in the region is to be reached, an international coalition of human rights defenders and human rights activists.
Terrorism needs to be countered through education and by dealing with its root causes, says the Front Line International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in a joint statement issued by human rights workers from Bahrain, Yemen, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Israel.
“Israel’s long-standing and ongoing violations of international law – with unwavering support from the US – undermine respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy,” says the statement, which is co-sponsored by the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) and the Bahrain Forum.
“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 characterise all of our lives – East and West – for generations to come.”
The Front Line organisation is an Ireland-based international foundation that works for the protection of human rights defenders by lobbying governments and international authorities such as the UN.
The statement calls for a “lasting and effective” ceasefire and for all perpetrators of atrocities committed to be brought to justice.
It also urges all parties in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure civilians’ protection and access for humanitarian relief, as well as an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian territory.
© Gulf Daily News
