Cairo, Egypt – The Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, based in Doha, recently hosted an international conference aimed at rejecting the forced displacement plan for residents of occupied Palestine. The event took place in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, and was organized alongside several key partners, including the Egyptian National Council for Human Rights and the Palestinian Independent Human Rights Commission. Eighty notable figures from the international human rights community attended the conference, encompassing representatives from national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, as well as foreign and Arab diplomats.
During the event, Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary-General of the Arab Network, emphasized the urgency of addressing the threats against the Palestinian people, stating, “This conference aims to discuss tools to combat threats to displace the Palestinian people and erase their cause.” He called attention to the importance of supporting the Palestinian struggle against oppression. Al Jamali urged for economic unity among Arab nations, highlighting the need for shared economic, monetary, and customs policies. “This will create a common Arab market,” he asserted, “allowing us to achieve economic integration among Arab countries. This is necessary not only to provide financial resources but also to keep pace with technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence.”
The Egyptian National Council for Human Rights secretary, Fahmy Fayad, echoed similar sentiments, noting the precarious situation faced by Gaza. He highlighted the importance of addressing forced displacement as it violates international law and humanitarian norms. “The Palestinian people have lost their fundamental rights,” Fayad stated, stressing their right to return to their homeland.
Adding to the discourse, Alaa Shelbay, head of the Arab Organization for Human Rights, emphasized the significance of the return of Gaza residents to their homes, describing it as pivotal for the Palestinian cause. He noted the considerable resolve among Arab nations to support Palestine, showcasing their unity and strength.
“The current situation of the Palestinian cause is the most serious since 1948,” remarked Issam Yunis, head of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, citing the systematic attempts by the occupying state to displace Palestinians from their land.
The conference also focused on humanitarian response initiatives, including efforts to mobilize necessary humanitarian aid for Gaza's residents to help them remain steadfast on their land. This encompassed discussions around supporting UN agencies, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), to fulfill their mandates effectively.
The need for effective accountability mechanisms was another significant topic, with calls made to reinforce international legal frameworks to protect civilians and hold occupying forces accountable for their actions. Participants highlighted the necessity of applying the Fourth Geneva Convention to guarantee civilian protection and to sustain pressure on occupying authorities to restore rights and reparations.
This important conference was more than just dialogue; it was about putting systems and policies in place to stimulate economic growth and assist the resilience of Palestinian people, all intertwined with the broader economic and humanitarian strategies for the Arab world.