View in your browser [1]
[2]
ISRAEL AND OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: STOP THE ASSAULT ON FREE
SPEECH AND PROTECT CIVILIANS
HI ,
The ongoing conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel has
quickly become a humanitarian catastrophe. But it has also developed into a
freedom of expression crisis – with unprecedented numbers of journalists
killed, internet shutdowns and communication blackouts, suppression of free
expression and protest, and increasing online harms and hate speech, all of
which continue to perpetuate the violence, deaths, and humanitarian crisis
on the ground.
ARTICLE 19 reiterates our urgent call for an immediate ceasefire by all
parties to prevent further loss of civilian lives.
#CEASEFIRENOW
[3]
AT A TIME OF WAR, CONNECTIVITY MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES
During times of conflict, the internet becomes a lifeline. It is vital for
the distribution of aid and the operations of humanitarian organisations.
It enables communication for those trapped under the rubble. It is also the
primary means by which people can document and share information about the
situation on the ground, including unfolding atrocities.
When the internet is shut down, human rights violations can be, and often
are, committed with impunity.
On Wednesday, 15 November, telecommunication companies in Gaza warned of an
impending blackout because of fuel shortages – just as Israeli forces
stepped up ‘targeted operations’ at al-Shifa hospital. Fears for the
lives of patients and hospital staff continue to mount. As of 1.30pm on
Wednesday, 1,200 patients and staff were trapped. The World Health
Organization reported that it had lost contact with its staff working in
the hospital.
‘RESTRICTING PEOPLE’S RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, THEIR RIGHT TO
VOICE ANGER, FRUSTRATION, AND ANGUISH, THEIR RIGHT TO SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH
THOSE SUFFERING AND SPEAKING OUT AGAINST VIOLENCE, UNDERMINES THE
FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF A WELL-FUNCTIONING DEMOCRACY. GOVERNMENTS MUST
PROTECT THESE RIGHTS.’
– SARAH CLARKE, DIRECTOR OF ARTICLE 19 EUROPE.
Israel has so far imposed three internet shutdowns in Gaza, all of which
had a devastating impact. Humanitarian organisations lost contact with aid
workers, and media houses were unable to reach their reporters, preventing
them from reporting from Gaza in real time as Israel’s ground invasion
intensified.
The ongoing conflict means it is increasingly difficult for people to
access and share information they need, and for those witnessing and
experiencing rights violations to share their accounts.
Shutting down communications systems can never be justified under
international human rights law. Under international humanitarian law,
attacks against any civilian infrastructure must adhere to targeting rules,
including the distinction between military and civilian objects, the
principle of proportionality and the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks.
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW FURTHER FORBIDS COLLECTIVE PUNISHMENT BY
IMPOSING PENALTIES ON PEOPLE WITHOUT A CLEAR LAWFUL BASIS.
Any party to a conflict, regardless of how the conflict was prompted, is
obliged to comply with the laws of war. The attacks by Hamas on 7 October
do not exempt Israel from its obligations under international humanitarian
law, which is rooted in the acknowledgement that armed conflicts exist but
that even during these conflicts the harm that can be caused is not without
limits.
Read more [2] about protecting rights at a time of war:
READ MORE [2]
[4]
THIS #GIVINGTUESDAY, SUPPORT ARTICLE 19
Join us this #GivingTuesday, November 28, 2023! Let's create positive
change together. Explore how you can contribute to a better world through
acts of kindness, time, talent, or treasure. Your generosity counts!
Learn more about #GivingTuesday [5].
When you donate to us, you're not only supporting our mission but also
safeguarding your own right to have a say in the world.
SUPPORT ARTICLE 19 [4]
[6] [7] [8] [9]
_Copyright © 2023 ARTICLE 19, All rights reserved._
You are receiving this email because you are currently on our regular
subscriber list.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can u [10]pdate your preferences. [11]
Links:
------
[1] [link removed]
[2] [link removed]
[3] [link removed]
[4] [link removed]
[5] [link removed]
[6] [link removed]
[7] [link removed]
[8] [link removed]
[9] [link removed]
[10] [link removed]
[11] [link removed]
