The past 12 months have been marked by a grim year of human rights suppression, with world leaders turning a blind eye to violations in various parts of the world. Human Rights Watch (HRW) released its world report for 2024, highlighting the tremendous suffering caused by conflicts in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and the Sahel region of Africa.
One of the bloodiest conflicts was the Israel-Hamas war, which erupted after Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7. The Israeli government responded by implementing measures such as cutting off water and electricity to Gaza’s 2.3 million civilians and restricting the entry of essential supplies, including fuel, food, and humanitarian aid. HRW describes this as a form of collective punishment and a war crime. The war has tragically claimed the lives of over 23,000 people in the besieged Palestinian territory, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Lama Fakih, HRW’s regional director, expressed concern about the alarming human rights trends in the Middle East and North Africa. If left unchecked, these trends could lead to further instability with global ramifications. The report also highlights the damaging effects of climate change and economic inequality. In 2023, the world experienced the hottest year since global records began in 1880, resulting in devastating wildfires, droughts, and storms that wreaked havoc on communities from Bangladesh to Libya to Canada.
Tirana Hassan, the chief of the New York-based rights watchdog, emphasizes that the international system designed to protect human rights is under threat. World leaders often turn a blind eye to violations of universal principles of human rights. The report points out a double standard among governments, particularly in the West, which condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel but hesitated to criticize Israel’s response.
The report highlights the issue of “selective government outrage” and “transactional diplomacy” that come at a profound cost to the rights of those not involved in the deals. Many governments that could play a role in improving human rights frequently adopt double standards, eroding trust in the institutions responsible for enforcing and protecting rights.
Overall, the HRW world report for 2024 sheds light on the grim reality of human rights violations and the need for greater accountability. It calls for world leaders to address these issues and uphold universal principles of human rights, regardless of political considerations or double standards. Only through collective action can we ensure a more just and equitable world for all.
Source: The Manila Times
