Special coverage on the visit of the Arab Organization for Human Rights delegation to The Hague
At the start of its European tour, the delegation of the Arab Organization for Human Rights (AOHR) visited The Hague on Friday, September 26, 2024, where it toured the International Criminal Court (ICC) and met with the Outreach Office, the Public Prosecutor’ Office (The Investigation Team for Palestine), and the Victims’ Representation Office.
During the meetings, the AOHR delegation expressed its concerns and those of the Arab community’s concerns regarding the Pre-Trial Chamber’s delay in responding to the Prosecutor’s request from May 20, 2024 which sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defense minister Galant, as well as the worry that the request did not include any military or security leaders of the occupation, which could weaken future charges if arrest requests are limited to political figures.
The AOHR team warned against the occupation manipulating legal standards, such as launching a supposed domestic investigation to halt the ICC’s inquiries and buy time, emphasizing that time is crucial for the victims.
The AOHR team then met with representatives from civil society and media, expressing appreciation for the Dutch civil society’s ongoing legal battle to stop the export of F-35 warplane spare parts to the occupation, highlighting the significance of this effort alongside similar cases against governments in the U.S., Germany, the UK, and others, aimed at halting complicity with the occupation in committing Genocide in occupied Gaza and various war crimes across the occupied Palestinian Territories.
The Head of the AOHR delegation stated that the occupation remains the source of all evils and must be eradicated, noting the important positions of European countries that have recognized the Palestinian state, and explaining the significance of European civil society efforts in breaking the cycle of hatred between peoples and the rising extremism fueled by the occupation and those complicit with it through arms and money, warning of the risks of escalation in Lebanon and the comprehensive war that would undoubtedly undermine international peace and security.
The AOHR Delegation participated in the second general conference of the Arab Organization for Human Rights Branch in Northern Europe, which also included representatives from Arab civil organizations and public figures.
The AOHR Delegation is scheduled to meet today, Saturday, with representatives of Arab communities in Amsterdam.
The AOHR Delegation includes Mr. Ala Shalaby, President of the AOHR of the AOHR; Mr. Essam Shiha board member of the AOHR; Mr. Mohammed Rady, the executive director; and Dr. Salah Salam, a member of the AOHR.
The visit was organized by Mr. Yusri Kashif, head of the AOHR branch in Northern Europe, and Engineer Omar Almasalmeh, the branch’s secretary-general, along with the branch’s board members.
Den Haag, September 28, 2024.
***
