August 08, 2014.

The Urgent Appeal by International Law Experts Regarding Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza

The Urgent Appeal is suggested by the International Expert Team of the Institute for Research of Genocide, Canada.

Acknowledging the longstanding commitment of the international community to peace and security, and to the protection of basic human rights and freedoms of every individual, regardless of his or her nationality, ethnic, or religious affiliation, it is imperative that the world recognize that massive human rights violations and monstrous atrocities are taking place in the territory of Gaza, particularly against women and children, and against civilians in general. These human rights violations and atrocities must cease immediately.

Unfortunately, destructive activities such as wars, killing, violence and other forms of inhuman treatment in relation to individuals or groups have become all too common in our world. Numerous international legal documents that should guarantee the protection of persons as individuals and as members of a given human group do not provide the expected results. Tragically, the international community has been unable to respond effectively to genocide, or to crimes against humanity, even though those crimes have been repeated in different geographic locations, and in even more predictable and devastating forms.

Clearly, the brutal violence, murders, and other forms of destructive action directed against defenseless women and children are not the reasonable way to resolve certain issues within a state or between states.

At the present time, the horrific crimes being committed in Gaza against Palestinian civilians call for an immediate and vigorous response to stop the atrocities, atrocities that we believe can be identified and prosecuted as genocide and as crimes against humanity under international law. In addition, we would like to point out that failing to act at this time so as to not prevent such crimes could be seen as complicity in the very crimes being committed.

It has not escaped our attention, moreover, that the disproportionate use of force in Gaza is often directed against facilities that have no military significance (e.g. schools, hospitals, and United Nations facilities). This strategy of targeting civilians, particularly those seeking refuge in recognized shelters, must stop.

We sincerely believe and hope that the international community has a willingness and commitment to act so as to stop further destruction and murder of innocent civilians in Gaza.

In the name of humanity, justice and fairness, as well as in the context of international humanitarian law, we implore the international community to take all necessary actions to stop the violence in Gaza. We welcome the current cease-fire and all diplomatic efforts to pursue peace with justice by addressing possible war crimes, responding to human rights violations, and seeking reparations and protections for the citizens of Gaza.

The Signatories of the Urgent Appeal:

Profesor Francis A. Boyle

Profesor Marko Attila Hoare

Profesor David Pettigrew

Profesor Keith Doubt

Profesor Safiya Soliman

Roger M. Richards

Chris Mathieu

Profesor Emir Ramić

Professor Ferid Muhic

Profesor Smail Čekić

Profesor Fahira Fejzić

Profesor Mirsada Hukić

Profesor Kasim Trnka

Profesor Rasim Muratović

Profesor Senadin Lavić

Profesor Suad Kurtčehajić

Profesor Asim Mujkić

Profesor Tarik Zaimović

Profesor Mujo Begić

Profesor Admir Muratović

Profesor Mevlud Dudić

Profesor Edina Bečirević

Profesor Hariz Halilović

Profesor Sead Berberović

Profesor Fikret Bečirović

Profesor Muris Osmanagić

Professor Alija Piric

Profesor Redžep Skrijel

Dr Emir Suljagić

Dr. Mustafa Cerić

Magistar Sadmir Karović

Magistar Osman Softić

Magistar Sanja Seferović Drnovšek

Magistar Marjan Hajnal

Adil Kulenović

Adamir Jerković

Ibrahim Kajan

Bakira Hasečić

Jasmin Mešković

Emir Zlatar

Amor Masovic