Human Rights Lie Agonizing In Gaza.

Yesterday marked 75 years since the promulgation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, considered one of the most notable achievements of the United Nations. However, ironically, on this anniversary, the secretary general of ONU, António Guterres, admitted in a speech at the Doha Forum, in Qatar, the increasingly evident failure of the organization.

Unable to deal with the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the recent vote vetoed by the US for an immediate ceasefire, the UN's effectiveness is in question, and the region faces the risk of widespread war.

Humanitarian Disaster

The Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip became one of the biggest humanitarian disasters in recent times, with more than 18 deaths in two months, 70% of them women and children. In this apocalyptic scenario, the 2,4 million Palestinians, without refuge, face hunger and death, while the international community watches helplessly as the UN paralyzes.

The proportion of civilian victims in this war exceeds the average of all wars carried out throughout the 2,4th century. The XNUMX million Palestinians who live in that strip of land are subjected to daily bombings, with nowhere to escape. They have been deprived of their Human Rights, condemned to hunger and death, while the world watches helplessly.

Essential infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, was decimated, further worsening the suffering of those who managed to survive the direct attacks. The scarcity of food and basic resources is a daily reality, forcing inhabitants to face not only the horrors of war, but also the cruel and slow deterioration of living conditions.

The tragedy is amplified by the UN's inability to act as a mediator and promoter of peace, but also by its failure to fulfill its fundamental commitment to protect human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so celebrated 75 years ago, seems forgotten today, in the face of such an urgent humanitarian crisis.

While suffering persists, humanity is faced with the pressing need to rethink and restructure approaches aimed at protecting fundamental rights, ensuring that tragedies like this are never repeated in our collective history, something that should have been ensured by the UN, whose lack of concrete action exposes the flaws in its mission to protect lives and promote peace.

US Veto and Complicity in the Massacre

After a series of pleading speeches about the urgent need to end the conflict, Guterres turned to Article 99 of the United Nations Charter, one of the most powerful tools at the secretary-general's disposal, used only three times in history, being a kind of “atomic bomb” because it represents a last resort to “force” the action of the security advice.

But, even in the face of this desperate appeal, the resolution for an immediate ceasefire, essential to contain the tragedy in Gaza, was vetoed by the USA, historically allies of Israel. This veto not only undermines the authority of the Security Council, but makes the US complicit in the massacre, raising crucial questions about this country's role at the UN.

The decision to veto an essential humanitarian resolution calls into question the US commitments to peace and its position as a defender of human rights, undermining global confidence in its ability to act as an impartial mediator, raising doubts about its integrity, within of the UN Security Council.

This complicity casts a shadow over the morality of US foreign policy, exposing a contradiction between its proclaimed values ​​and its true actions on the international scene. The veto was not just a political denial; It is a denial of humanity and the uncompromising search for a just and lasting peace.

The US veto turns them into accomplices in the massacre in Gaza, revealing a dark alliance with Israel. This choice not only sacrifices the integrity of the North American position in the UN, it also undermines the credibility of this international body.

“The authority and credibility of the Security Council have been seriously compromised.”

Guterres acknowledged, assuming the damage to the UN's reputation that, given the inability to stop this catastrophe, jeopardizes the organization's efficiency and its own existence, in its current form.

Africa's Position

In a statement released on the day of the Hamas attack, the African Union (AU) attributed responsibility for the conflict to Israel, stating:

“The denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign state, is the main cause of permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension.”

This position shows the AU's traditional approach to the conflict in the Middle East, as an example, the suspension of Israel's observer status.

The position of African countries in this crisis reflects a complex division, where some express support for Palestine, others opt for neutrality and, surprisingly, there are even expressions of support for Israel. This political fragmentation creates fissures in Israel's diplomatic advances on the continent and highlights the geopolitical relevance of the region for both parties involved.

Africa, historically a land of struggle for independence and self-determination, now finds itself at the center of a conflict that transcends its own borders. The accession of some African countries to Israel, despite clear human rights violations, calls into question the alignment of African states with the fundamental principles they have historically defended.

The Palestinian issue, in addition to configuring a humanitarian disaster, becomes a catalyst for the redefinition of relations between African countries and Israel. Africa's fragmented response to the Gaza crisis casts doubt on the continent's cohesion on critical issues and highlights the complexity of its position in the international political arena.

Africa emerges as a fundamental piece on the geopolitical board, with its choices and stances influencing not only regional relations, but also the global narrative about justice, peace and self-determination. As the disaster in Gaza persists, Africa finds itself facing a dilemma that could shape its role in the future of global relations.

The urgency is clear, and the decisions taken now will leave lasting marks on the fabric of international relations.

Conclusion

This massacre in Gaza, perpetrated by Israel, with US connivance, clearly violates international laws against collective punishment. The attack on civilians, the attack on journalists and the cutting of food, water and electricity can already be considered genocide, according to the main international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders.

The UN's inability to deal with the crisis in Gaza, the complicity of the USA and the ramifications on African politics, highlight the urgency of rethinking the role of the organization, which is why immediate action must be taken, at an international level, to avoid a further escalation of this war, as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights now lies buried under the rubble of Gaza.

What do you think of this “tearing up” of the Human Rights Charter by the USA and Israel? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.

Picture: © 2023 Francisco Lopes-Santos