Geneva: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Trk today called on all actors to ensure that human rights are central to recovery and peacebuilding processes, in order that the ceasefire in Gaza transforms into an enduring peace for the peoples of Palestine and Israel. ‘There is a collective global relief at the signs that this war and human suffering are coming to an end at last. At this critical stage, all hands on deck are needed to ensure this momentum carries through to a lasting peace and security for all those living in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory,’ the High Commissioner said in a statement today.

According to Emirates News Agency, Trk emphasized that significant efforts and goodwill from all involved parties and the international community are essential to foster conditions for peace, justice, and reconciliation. He highlighted the necessity of placing human rights at the center of these efforts and affirmed the readiness of his Office to support the initiative. Trk further elaborated that human rights encompass human dignity and accountability for the severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law witnessed over the past two years.

Trk stressed the importance of ensuring that all Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank, regardless of gender, age, or disability, can voice their opinions and participate in decision-making processes related to their future governance. He underscored the need to restore full access to food, clean water, shelter, and medical care as soon as possible, and to provide children with access to education and a safe environment to play.

Moreover, Trk pointed out the necessity of recognizing the right of Palestinians to self-determination and establishing inclusive and meaningful political processes that will lead to a two-State solution. He emphasized that these actions need to align with UN Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council resolutions, the General Assembly-endorsed New York Declaration, and the advisory opinions and interim measures issued by the International Court of Justice.

The High Commissioner identified several key areas where human rights must be central to a comprehensive process moving forward. These areas include accountability and transitional justice, security and rule of law, state-building and governance, inclusion and legitimacy, and civil society. Additionally, Trk called for guaranteed full and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid and workers, international journalists, protection workers, and human rights monitors. He stressed the importance of journalists being able to operate freely throughout Gaza and emphasized the need for human rights and peace education.