The United Nations has long been a platform for promoting peace, justice, and human rights around the world. However, when it comes to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the UN has failed to take concrete actions to end the decades of violence and suffering. As the world prepares for the ministerial-level conference on Palestine on July 28-29, 2025, it is time for member countries to step up and publicly commit to ending the impunity for Israeli authorities’ violations of international humanitarian and human rights law against Palestinians.
The High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution and Peace in Palestine is a crucial opportunity for the international community to come together and address one of the most pressing issues of our time. It is a chance to reaffirm the commitment to upholding international law and human rights, and to finally put an end to the ongoing human rights abuses and violations in the region.
For decades, Palestinians have been subjected to systematic discrimination, displacement, and violence at the hands of Israeli authorities. The illegal settlements, home demolitions, and restrictions on movement have created a humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories. The situation has only worsened in recent years, with the annexation of Palestinian land and the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.
The international community has a moral and legal obligation to hold Israel accountable for its actions. However, the lack of concrete actions and accountability has only emboldened Israeli authorities to continue their violations with impunity. This is why the upcoming conference is of utmost importance – it is a chance for member countries to publicly commit to taking concrete actions to end this cycle of impunity.
Human Rights Watch has long been documenting the human rights violations in the region and calling for accountability. As the conference approaches, we urge member countries to listen to the voices of the Palestinian people and take a stand against the ongoing violations. This is not a political issue, but a matter of human rights and dignity.
Concrete actions must include holding Israeli authorities accountable for their violations, including through the International Criminal Court. The ICC has recently opened a formal investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the occupied Palestinian territories, and it is crucial for member countries to support this process. The UN must also take steps to ensure that the illegal settlements are dismantled and that Palestinians are able to exercise their right to self-determination.
Moreover, member countries must use their influence to push for an end to the blockade on Gaza, which has been described by the UN as a form of collective punishment against the civilian population. The blockade has severely restricted access to essential goods and services, including food, water, and healthcare, and has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation.
The conference should also address the issue of Palestinian refugees, who continue to live in precarious conditions and are denied their right to return to their homes. Member countries must support efforts to find a just and durable solution for Palestinian refugees, in accordance with international law.
It is time for the world to take a stand for justice and human rights in Palestine. The ministerial-level conference on July 28-29, 2025, presents a unique opportunity for member countries to publicly commit to concrete actions that will bring an end to decades of impunity for Israeli authorities’ violations. The international community must send a clear message that the human rights and dignity of the Palestinian people cannot be ignored any longer.
In conclusion, the upcoming conference on Palestine is a crucial moment for the international community to demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights and promoting peace. Member countries must use this platform to publicly commit to taking concrete actions to end the impunity for Israeli authorities’ violations and pave the way for a just and lasting solution for the Palestinian people. Let us not miss this opportunity to make a real difference and bring an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
