The Gaza crisis exposes Western double standards on human rights

BEIJING:

After the catastrophic loss of more than 30,000 lives in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israel’s continuous raids since last October, the world is witnessing not only a harrowing scale of human suffering, but also the ugly truth of Western double standards on human rights .

As government officials and representatives around the world gather in Geneva for the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, the protracted tragedy unfolding in Gaza underscores the imperative to uphold the human rights of all ethnic groups and all people with fair, equal and efficient way.

Death is but one facet of the desperation facing civilians in Gaza. Since 2007, when Israel imposed a sweeping blockade, the region has been besieged by humanitarian crises, including shortages of food, medicine and clean water for daily consumption. The ongoing conflict only exacerbates the already acute shortage of basic resources for survival.

Just a few days ago, United Nations (UN) humanitarian officials warned the Security Council that the entire population of Gaza is facing acute starvation. over half a million people are “one step away from starvation”.

Amidst the massive humanitarian crisis in Gaza, one cannot help but wonder where the Western human rights defenders are. Their absence in addressing the dire conditions facing the people of Gaza underscores the selective nature and double standards of the global defense of their human rights.

In particular, the United States has chosen to turn a blind eye to the plight of the people of Gaza. Blocking repeated attempts by the Security Council to pass resolutions demanding a cease-fire, Washington has consistently provided military support to Israel.

Also read: Israel’s war on Gaza: How they have extended US military support to its biggest recipient

Take the last US veto on February 20 as an example. Apart from the US, which vetoed, and Britain, which abstained, the remaining 13 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution submitted by Algeria on behalf of the Arab states.

The result of the vote showed that the Security Council does not lack unanimity. Instead, the United States’ decision to undermine the unified consensus of the world community prevents the majority from prevailing.

Through their unwavering support for Israel, including vetoing four Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire, some US politicians have effectively fostered a culture of impunity that undermines the very principles of justice and equality they claim to uphold.

This truth will not go unnoticed by the international community.

As the world grapples with the aftermath of yet another humanitarian disaster, it is imperative that the world confront the truths at the heart of the collective failure to uphold the sanctity of human life: Western human rights double standards stand as a formidable obstacle for the global promotion of human well-being.