The Conference focused, among others, on the role of civil society worldwide in advocating for a durable and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and in achieving accountability for Israel’s war crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Participants represented organisations and solidarity movements from different countries, including Palestine, United States, Australia, Latin American countries and South Africa. They highlighted the different initiatives that their organisations are leading to denounce and to prompt actions regards to the Israeli violations against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza war. 

In convening this conference, the Committee aimed at strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations, identifying common priorities and messaging on core and emerging topics, discussing the responsibility of Member States to prevent and to protect the Palestinian people, and ensuring accountability as a fundamental requirement for the justice that is vital for peace. 

OPENING SESSION

Statements by:

Ms. Nada Al-Nashif

Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Ambassador Cheikh Niang 

Representative of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations

Ambassador Ibrahim Mohammad Khraishi

Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, to the United Nations in Geneva

 

PLENARY I

“The War on Gaza: Advocating for a Humanitarian Ceasefire and Assistance for the Palestinian People”

Mr. Ayed Abu Eqtaish

DCI-Palestine – Director of Accountability Programme

Mr. Raji Sourani

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights Director

Ms. Sahar Francis

Addameer Prisoner Support& Human Rights Association Director

Mr. Issam Younis

Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights Director

 

PLENARY II

“The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Ensuring Third Party Responsibility: Perspectives from Global and Regional Voices”

Ms. Samah Sisay

Attorney at the US Centre for Constitutional Rights

Ms. Yasmine Ahmed

Director of Human Rights Watch UK

Ms. Rawan Arraf

Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice

 Ms. Tilda Rabi

President of the Federation of Argentine-Palestinian Entities

Mr. Frank Chikane

Chair of the Steering Committee of the Global Anti-Apartheid Conference – South Africa

 

PLENARY III

“State Actions on Accountability: Discussing Best Practices”

Mr. Ahmad Abuzneid

Executive Director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

Mr. Diego Khamis

Executive Director of the Palestinian Community in Chile

Ms. Rula Shadid

Executive Director of the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy

 

PLENARY IV

“Ensuring Compliance with International Mechanisms After the ICJ Rulings”

Remarks by Mr. Thembela Ngculu, Counsellor, South Africa Permanent Mission in Geneva

Mr. Ahmed Abofoul

Al-Haq Legal Expert

Mr. Saleh Hijazi

Apartheid-Free Policy Coordinator, Palestine BDS Committee

Ms. Bethany Ellis

Watchlist Global Advocacy Advisor

 

CLOSING SESSION        

Ambassador Cheikh Niang 

Representative of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations

• Programme
• Curtain raiser (English, French)
• Chair statement
• Speakers’ bios
• Press releases: Opening session, Plenary I, Plenary II, Plenary III, Plenary IV
• Chair Summary (English, Spanish) 
• Report