A faction of the United Nations Human Rights Committee recently made a bold statement of opposition, turning their backs on United States Ambassador Michelle Taylor during her closing remarks on the Israeli-Palestinian war. This silent protest came after the US voted against a ceasefire for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
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The United Nations Human Rights Committee made a significant statement by symbolically rebuffing the United States during Ambassador Michelle Taylor’s concluding remarks.
In her closing remarks, Taylor acknowledged the painful topics that were discussed during the convention and highlighted the concrete ways the U.S. is meeting its obligations under the convention:
“You have heard over the past two days about many of the concrete ways we are meeting our obligations under the convention, and you have also heard our pledge to do more. I recognize that the topics raised are often painful for all of us to discuss.”
However, in silent protest, members of the UN Human Rights Committee turned their backs in response to the U.S.’s actions against a ceasefire for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The silent protest echoed the sentiments of various social justice advocates who have been calling for accountability and recognition of human rights violations within the US.
Prominent social activist Shaun King uploaded the footage on Instagram from that very moment which he captioned the post:
“This is what the world thinks of the United States right now. After the United States was the ONLY vote against a ceasefire for humanitarian aid in Gaza, and vetoed the resolution, the world is now turning its back on the United States.”
Reverend Keyanna Jones, from the Community Movement Builders, criticized the U.S. government for turning its back on issues of state repression, discrimination against Black and Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the issue of Death by Incarceration (DBI). The frustrating lack of legitimate answers and silence from the U.S. delegation during interactions regarding human rights violations further fueled the silent protest:
“We chose to turn our backs on the U.S. as they have turned their backs on the state repression of Black, Indigenous, people of the global majority, LGBTQIA+ human rights, and the issue of Death by Incarceration (DBI). We have been silenced and met with no legitimate answers during every interaction with the U.S. delegation.”
She continued:
“Dignitaries from other countries who inquired about human rights violations were met with the same energy. The U.S. government has shown that it will violate the human rights of anyone who dares to oppose police militarization or stand in defense of environmental protection.”
During the convention, committee members questioned U.S. officials on a range of human rights concerns, including indigenous rights, voting rights, freedom of expression, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the treatment of civilians in Gaza. The frustration and outrage stemmed from the inadequate and scripted responses from the U.S. delegation, demonstrating deep frustration and disappointment.
Stephanie Amiotte, Legal Director of the ACLU and a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, criticized the US response for failing to acknowledge and respect the rights of Indigenous peoples. The lack of meaningful engagement with different groups and the failure to address specific human rights violations raised by these groups undermine the US’s accountability.
Many groups submitted shadow reports highlighting various issues, including the mistreatment of Black migrants, the denial of clean water to Black communities, and the ongoing detention of Muslim men in Guantanamó. The silent protest and the frustration expressed by various advocacy groups during the convention represent a growing resistance and refusal to allow human rights violations to continue.
Bethany Van Kampen Saravia, Senior Legal and Policy Advisor at Ipas, expressed outrage at the U.S.’s failure to address the implications of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision, particularly regarding abortion access. The scripted and evasive response from the US delegation further highlighted the urgent need for action and accountability.
As of now, Ambassador Michelle Taylor has not responded to the silent protest or the concerns raised during the closing remarks.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (10/20/23 at 3:18 pm)
The recent bombing of a Gaza hospital has intensified tensions in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. As this tragic incident unfolded, it also appeared in 2022, that two water wells in the West Bank were filled with cement, depriving residents of access to drinking water.
On October 17, just before President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel, an explosion occurred at the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, resulting in the death of reportedly 500 Palestinians. While some Western countries have called for an investigation, Arab states have blamed Israel.
The bombing of the Gaza hospital has caused outrage and deepened the tension between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
In addition, the explosion resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and left the hospital in ruins. While some Western countries have called for an investigation into the incident, Arab states have unequivocally blamed Israel.
President Biden, who has been a staunch supporter of Israel, echoed their view, stating that the hospital blast appeared to result from an errant rocket fired by a “terrorist group.” However, Palestinian officials have squarely blamed Israel for the tragedy, while Israel has denied any responsibility and attributed the blast to a failed rocket launch by Islamic Jihad.
The impact of the explosion was devastating, with the hospital walls bloodied, vehicles destroyed, and buildings damaged. The Al Ahli Arab Hospital, also known as the “haven of peace,” was a symbol of hope and resilience in a troubled region.
Biden pointed the finger of blame at Palestinian militants. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden said:
“I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion of the hospital in Gaza yesterday, and based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you.”
Before the explosion, Israel told Palestinians who lived north of Gaza and even in Gaza City to move south for their own safety. Via a Twitter (X) message, Israel’s military specifically told Zeitoun residents to move south on Tuesday.
On Monday, Oct. 16, a Kuwaiti specialized hospital in Rafah city, said they had received two Israeli warnings to evacuate, but according to the director, the staff would not leave.
Dr. Naim reported that he had just completed one surgery and was about to begin another when he heard the explosion. To better connect the timing, Dr. Naqa said the explosion occurred around 6:30 p.m. (1530 GMT).
Its destruction has left many in shock and mourning, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who expressed his deep sadness at the loss of innocent lives. He stated:
“This is an appalling and devastating loss of innocent lives. The Ahli hospital is run by the Anglican church. I mourn with our brothers and sisters. I renew my appeal for civilians to be protected in this devastating war. May the Lord God have mercy.”
In addition to the hospital bombing, Israel’s actions in the West Bank in 2022 aggravated the situation. Israeli forces filled two water wells with cement in September 2023, rendering them useless.
These wells were a vital source of drinking water for residents in the villages of al-Ras and Kafr Aboush villages. The international community has been closely following the developments in Israel and the West Bank.
The escalation of violence and the deprivation of necessities like water have raised concerns about the well-being of the Palestinian population. Efforts to bring about peace and address the human rights issues in the region remain a pressing challenge.
As a prominent figure of Palestinian descent, DJ Khaled’s silence has raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about where he stands on the matter. With tensions escalating since the recent attacks, many are curious to see if DJ Khaled will use his platform to support Palestine.
On a more positive note, renowned music producer, DJ Khaled, paid his respects to his homeland, Palestine in 2021. Khaled pulled for love and peace to reign supreme. The hip-hop hitmaker had come forward to share heartfelt words following violence and protests in Palestine.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, it is important to note other instances where artists and public figures have taken a stand for their homelands. French Montana recently donated to aid Morocco after a devastating earthquake struck the country. The earthquake caused widespread destruction and loss of lives, prompting Montana to partner with Global Citizen and CARE.org and pledge $100,000 to support Morocco during this difficult time.
Written by Kynedei Iman Hobbs
Kynedei Iman Hobbs is a recent college graduate from the renowned Prairie View A&M University, with a major in Mass Communications. She possesses a deep passion for both News and Entertainment and aspires to excel as an exceptional Entertainment News Reporter, Writer, and Personality. With her sights set on greatness, she is driven to make a significant impact in the field.
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