ICHR demanded the Activation of Early Warning and Urgent Action Procedures in Two Separate Letters to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights called the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the activation of early warning procedures and urgent actions to ensure protection and necessary assistance for persons with disabilities (PWD) in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It also called for further diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to facilitate the provision of vital assistance and support services to the population of Gaza who have disabilities to alleviate their suffering and safeguard their rights.

The communication highlighted the catastrophic situation faced by PWD in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, with a disproportionate impact on them. This has resulted in casualties and injuries, as well as a threat of further permanent disabilities, as evacuation procedures pose a challenge for persons with disabilities who often lack the time and necessary assistance during Israeli airstrikes and attacks.

The letter also mentioned the deliberate targeting of infrastructure and healthcare facilities, leaving PWD without essential services and support, with many losing their homes and assistive devices, while public services become unavailable. Additionally, the electricity cuts have made life even more difficult for PWD.

In a separate letter, ICHR issued an urgent appeal to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) regarding the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza. It described the disastrous situation of civilians in Gaza, with continuous Israeli bombardment causing a growing number of civilian casualties, including children and women.

The communication pointed out that the complete denial of medical supplies, medicines, and food, along with the cutting of water and electricity by the occupying state, has led to catastrophic consequences for many families, aligning with the definition of genocide.

Israeli forces have also forcibly displaced civilians through air raids and bombing, in addition to the inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials, leading to increased hatred, incitement, violence, and racism against Palestinians. The Commission emphasized the need to activate early warning measures and take urgent action to address these human rights violations and racial discrimination while calling for immediate measures to protect civilians and prevent further violations.

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 

Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities