Of course, this favoritism and obvious political agenda is against the Charter of the UN and should never be conducted or supported by an organization purporting to stand for peace, justice and the international way. Such favoritism and politics by UN agencies and representatives discredits the whole UN. But this isn’t anything new.
But anyways, how serious can it be? Just a bunch of “useful idiots” having a fun adventure and feeling smug…taking some Arabs off to Cyprus…good riddance…Let them go, says the government of Israel, with the same keen judgment displayed in the destruction of Gaza, the operation of the Hizbullah war of 2006 and current “peace” negotiations…
UN News - 25 August 2008 An independent United Nations human rights expert today hailed the landing of two wooden boats in Gaza carrying 46 human rights activists as a key symbolic victory.
The activists part of the Free Gaza Movement seek to draw attention to the plight of the areas 1.5 million residents who have been under siege for the past year, Richard Falk, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, said in a statement.
That siege, the coast blockade, and the overflights by Israeli aircraft all bear witness to the fact that despite Israels claimed disengagement in 2005, these realities on the ground establish that Gaza remains under Israeli occupation, and as a result Israel remains legally responsible for protecting the human rights of its civilian population.
He called on the international community to take measures to ensure that human rights are respected in the Gaza Strip, calling the situation in the area one that has been ignored, despite overwhelming evidence of deteriorating mental and physical health that has reached crisis proportions.
Mr. Falk noted that Israels willingness to allow in the two ships could be a sign of a change in the countrys approach, possibly reflecting a greater respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
Another sign of progress, he said, would be Israel allowing the Palestinian winners of Fulbright scholarships to travel to the United States unimpeded so they can study.
Above all, what is being tested is whether the imaginative engagement of dedicated private citizens can influence the struggle of a beleaguered people for basic human rights, and whether their courage and commitment can awaken the conscience of humanity to an unfolding tragedy, the Rapporteur stated.
Special Rapporteurs such as Mr. Falk serve in an independent and unpaid capacity and report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
