Défenseurs Plus, a Haitian organization for the promotion and defense of human rights, is deeply troubled by the indiscriminate violence caused by the war between Hamas and the Israeli army since October 7, 2023. These acts of violence have resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands of people, both in Israel and Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Despite the passage of a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, the international community appears powerless in the face of the atrocities and cruel and inhumane treatment inflicted upon the civilian population in Gaza. The organization is concerned about the fate of several hostages held by Hamas since the resurgence of the conflict and expresses solidarity with the families of the victims and other civilians affected by this conflict.

Based on the principle of the universality of human rights, Défenseurs Plus believes that we cannot remain silent in the face of the tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The recent events have highlighted the unspeakable suffering endured by the civilian population, who are victims of unbearable atrocities. These massacres and killings are contrary to the principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to which the 194 member states of the United Nations have adhered. These acts constitute a systematic violation of the first-generation human rights guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1966 and the Geneva Conventions of 1949 on international humanitarian law.

Défenseurs Plus, a Haitian organization for the promotion and defense of human rights, strongly condemns these acts of violence and urgently calls on all warring parties to put an end to this spiral of massive destruction in the region. It urges the international community to intervene urgently to establish a humanitarian ceasefire and put an end to the suffering of thousands of innocent lives. It is imperative that the international community mobilizes in favor of a lasting peace in the region. We must work together to find peaceful solutions that respect human rights and guarantee the dignity and security of all inhabitants of this troubled region. The time has come to make our collective voice heard in favor of peace, justice, and human dignity.

Défenseurs Plus calls on defenders of human rights from around the world to engage in a future where peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity prevail, and where human rights are respected by everyone, without exception.  Défenseurs Plus believes that together, we can contribute to building a world where peace and justice triumph in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Done in Port-au-Prince on november 2nd, 2023.

Madoche CHERENFANT

Program Head manager at Défenseurs Plus

Tel: +509 37 64 1393