Geneva: The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence, Bernard Duhaime, emphasized on Wednesday that the peace process in the Gaza Strip must be grounded in principles of justice and accountability.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Duhaime stated that the realization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination is central to achieving peace. He cautioned that without ensuring accountability for serious violations of international and humanitarian law, any peace plan would be undermined. Duhaime highlighted that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide should not be shielded by amnesties or statutes of limitation, as accountability is vital to preventing impunity.
Duhaime asserted that a peace process cannot be enforced through force but must be based on justice and inclusive dialogue, ensuring full participation of Palestinians. He also emphasized the importance of a neutral international force to protect both Palestinians and Israelis from threats, and called for an immediate end to occupation and oppression.
He further remarked that the governance of Gaza should not be isolated from the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Any peace agreement, he noted, must adhere to the International Court of Justice's rulings, which demand Israel's immediate cessation of unlawful occupation.
The recent launch of the Gaza Peace Summit on October 13 has renewed hopes for lasting peace in the region. However, Duhaime underlined the necessity of a comprehensive transitional justice process, incorporating truth-telling, accountability, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition to address the conflict's root causes.
He criticized the current ceasefire proposal for its lack of clarity regarding transitional justice mechanisms and timelines, warning that without a defined roadmap, peace efforts could remain superficial and ineffective. Duhaime expressed concerns over the proposal's ability to achieve justice and reconciliation without a clear vision for truth-telling or reparations.
Duhaime commended Palestinian and Israeli organizations, journalists, and civil society for documenting human rights violations, asserting that their work is crucial for ensuring truth and accountability. He called on the international community to support these efforts and proposed creating a haven for preserving vital documentation. Duhaime offered technical assistance to relevant parties, emphasizing that justice is essential for a peaceful and secure future.