Ref: 14/2011
From
1-4, and 21-22 March 2011, Daragh Murray, PCHR’s International Legal Officer,
attended the 16th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
in Geneva. The purpose of the Mission was to participate in discussion and
advocacy relating to the follow up to the Goldstone process. It is expected
that the Council will vote on the issue, on either 24 or 25 March. PCHR have
consistently called on the Human Rights Council to request that the Security
Council transfer the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory
to the International Criminal Court.
On
21 March, Mr. Murray delivered two oral statements to the Council. The first –
presented as part of an interactive dialogue with the Committee of Experts on
Domestic Investigations – provided information on PCHR’s experience as the
legal representative of more than 1,000 victims of Operation Cast Lead. PCHR
have unambiguously concluded that justice is unattainable due to systematic
flaws inherent in the Israeli system. The second presentation, delivered under
Agenda Item 7, focused on the deteriorating human rights situation in the
occupied Palestinian territory, and demanded accountability for international
crimes.
While
in Geneva, PCHR also met with representatives of numerous states, and the
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
