ACHRS October Highlights
Reflecting on 75 Years of Palestinian Resistance and the Ongoing Humanitarian Emergencies in the Arab World
365 Days, 75 Years and Counting
One year after Hamas's surprise attack on Israel, nearly 42,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military actions, and this number is expected to rise. The ongoing siege has displaced all 2.3 million residents of Gaza, forcing them to face hunger and disease, while continued assaults in the West Bank further worsen the crisis.
But the Hamas-led attack didn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s the result of almost eight decades of ethnic cleansing of Palestine at the hands of the State of Israel.
Yaas Farzanefar and Zain Jawhari talked about 75 years of Palestinian resistance in ACHRS’ podcast “Rights Now.” You can listen to it here.
Gaza Crisis Update: A Year of Devastation and Ongoing Humanitarian Emergency
As we close out September 2024, we find ourselves nearing a year of significant violence in Palestine, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continuing their relentless assaults.
The Ministry of Health reports a staggering toll: over 41,467 deaths and 95,921 injuries since October 7, with thousands still missing amid the rubble of two-thirds of buildings destroyed in Gaza. The IDF's air and ground attacks have particularly devastated areas like Beit Hanoun, Southwest Gaza City, and Eastern Khan Younis. The destruction of civilian infrastructure has led to rising casualties and widespread displacement, leaving many families in dire situations.
Read “Gaza Crisis: Unraveling the Humanitarian Toll of IDF Violence,” our monthly Palestine Monitor to learn more about what activists and international observers called a genocide.
Sudan Crisis Update: A Call for Action
The situation in Sudan is dire, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) causing widespread chaos and devastation in communities. Civilians are trapped in a relentless cycle of despair, as neighborhoods are destroyed and access to food and healthcare has plummeted. Human rights abuses are rampant, with reports of hunger being used as a weapon and a rise in gender-based violence.
As hostilities continue, a mass exodus of refugees is pouring into neighboring countries like South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Libya, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. This influx is straining local resources and intensifying political tensions, leaving many families fractured and many children unaccompanied in vulnerable situations.
Efforts by international organizations to document these atrocities face immense challenges, highlighting the grim reality on the ground. In addition, foreign interventions have only complicated the landscape, often deepening divisions instead of fostering peace.
Read “Shattered Lives in Sudan Amid Human Rights Abuses,” our monthly Sudan Monitor to learn more about the Sudanese humanitarian crisis.
What’s New in Human Rights This September?
This month, ACHRS Human Rights Monitor highlights crucial developments across six key areas impacting human rights in the Arab world. The right to life faces severe violations, with state-sanctioned executions and extrajudicial killings often targeting specific groups for political motives. In Gaza, alarming reports of weaponized starvation and indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure raise concerns about genocide against Palestinians.
In our analysis of women’s rights, we examine recent legal changes across the region that reflect both progress and setbacks. While some reforms show promise, significant challenges remain when measured against international standards. Additionally, we explore the fragile state of intellectual freedom, as many governments continue to prosecute academics and students for their activism, stifling dissent and critical thought.
Lastly, we review developments in electoral processes and social protection policies. Civic engagement remains vital, and our findings underscore the importance of public participation in shaping the future of Arab nations.
For more detailed insights, don’t miss our full report.
ACHRS Recommendations
As we close this edition of “More On Human Rights,” we stress the urgent need for global awareness regarding the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, particularly concerning the right to life and social protection. We invite you to stay informed, engage with our reports, and support initiatives that promote peace and justice. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by these ongoing challenges.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to human rights.