29 April 2025
Urgent Appeal to NHRIs Worldwide
The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) urgently draws your immediate attention to the catastrophic and rapidly worsening humanitarian disaster unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
For nearly two months, the continued and comprehensive blockade imposed by the Israeli occupying authorities has resulted in the complete obstruction of humanitarian aid, relief supplies, and basic life necessities to Gaza’s approximately two million Palestinians. The humanitarian situation, already desperate since October 7, 2023, has now reached an unprecedented state of collapse.
The use of starvation as a weapon against civilians, a grave violation of international humanitarian law, poses an imminent threat of widespread famine. Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, recently warned that Gaza’s children are starving due to these restrictions, following the closure of Gaza’s crossings and the prevention of essential supplies since March 2, 2024. The World Food Programme has further confirmed that its food stockpiles in Gaza have been completely depleted, pushing the population into a real famine phase.
Children, the sick, and the elderly — among the most vulnerable — are perishing under the weight of this man-made humanitarian disaster.
The deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid, the use of starvation tactics, and the targeting of food distribution centers constitute collective punishment and are prohibited under international law. They may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, as defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
These actions are also in clear violation of international rulings, including the International Court of Justice’s orders requiring Israel to ensure the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720 (December 2024), which called for urgent and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the hour.
There is no time for hesitation, deliberation, or bureaucratic delay. Every minute without intervention costs more innocent lives. Immediate action is not only a moral imperative — it is a legal and humanitarian obligation.
ICHR urgently calls upon you, our peer national human rights institutions worldwide, to:
Publicly and unequivocally condemn the use of starvation and collective punishment against Gaza’s civilian population. Exert pressure on your governments immediately to fulfill their legal and ethical obligations under international law by acting decisively to end the blockade and facilitate the immediate and sustained entry of humanitarian, medical, food, fuel, and relief supplies into Gaza.Vigorously Advocate to your governments for the protection of civilians — particularly children, the sick, and the elderly — and ensure that humanitarian efforts are allowed to reach all those in need without obstruction. Encourage and press your governments to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to end the military operations and alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population, reaffirming the universal right to life, dignity, and protection. Urge your governments to support the establishment of clear and effective mechanisms that guarantee the sustainable and unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance, in full compliance with international humanitarian law.
The collective conscience of humanity demands urgent, courageous, and immediate action.
This must end — and it must end now.
Lives are hanging in the balance. Your swift and decisive intervention can save them.We trust in your steadfast We trust in your unwavering commitment to the principles of human rights and humanitarian law and count on your immediate, life-saving action.