Shining a light on injustice: crisis update
Amnesty International continues to shed light on the devastating human rights violations that are occurring in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Together, we have raised our voices in calling for justice and accountability on the global stage. Thank you for standing up for human rights and showing your deep compassion.
Here is an overview of the work that Amnesty International is doing as a movement to help bring an end to the suffering.
Keeping everyone informed
Since the latest violence erupted in October last year, Amnesty International researchers have been gathering evidence, verifying stories, and sharing information. Our human rights experts have been sending press releases, giving interviews, and raising awareness on social media to help ensure that grave human rights abuses cannot be ignored.
You can find updates on our website and on the website of the global Amnesty International movement. If you don’t already, follow us on Instagram or X to keep up to date and help share the latest news.
Researching human rights violations
Amnesty International has been working with trusted fieldworkers on the ground in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank to gather eyewitness testimonies. Meanwhile, our Crisis Evidence Lab is verifying crucial evidence. This essential work is exposing those responsible for war crimes and is seeking accountability from all parties.
Photos and video footage verified by the Crisis Evidence Lab showed Palestinian detainees in northern Gaza were suffering inhumane and degrading treatment at the hands of Israeli forces. Other Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have been forcibly disappeared, and Amnesty researchers have been investigating reports of mass enforced disappearances of Palestinians detainees.
When shocking video footage revealed the degrading treatment of Israeli hostages, Amnesty International reiterated its call on Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza to immediately and unconditionally release all civilian captives.
With evidence still emerging of the latest human rights violations, Amnesty International will continue its investigations to determine the full range of crimes committed by all parties under international law.
Calling for justice
As a global community of over ten million people, Amnesty International has a loud and powerful voice. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, thousands of people like you have organised or attended vigils, signed and circulated our ceasefire petition, and amplified calls for justice via social media. You can join that community of human rights defenders, the Amnesty Community,
In December, South Africa brought a legal case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that the state of Israel is breaching its obligations under the UN Genocide Convention. The ruling issued by the ICJ on 26 January ordered six provisional measures, including for Israel to refrain from acts under the Genocide convention; prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to genocide; and take immediate and effective measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
As a movement, Amnesty International has backed the ICJ’s examination of Israel’s conduct as a vital step for the protection of Palestinian lives, to restore trust and credibility in the universal application of international law, and to pave the way for justice and reparation for victims.
South Africa’s ICJ application cites evidence gathered by Amnesty International documenting damning evidence of war crimes and other violations of international law by Israeli forces in their intense bombardment of Gaza. This includes direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, indiscriminate and other unlawful attacks, forced displacement of civilians and collective punishment of the civilian population. It also cites research by Amnesty International highlighting that Israel’s system of domination and oppression of Palestinians amounts to apartheid.
Around the world, pressure is rising to hold those responsible for human rights violations to account. As a global community, we are calling on all UN Members States to immediately halt the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to Israel and Palestinian armed groups that are fueling the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, we continue to reiterate the call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire by all parties.
Last month, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand's Executive Director, Shaun Greaves, wrote an article for the Otago Daily Times about the need for stronger action from the New Zealand Government. Along with a number of partner organisations, we have called on the Government to do more to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in desperate need.
Amnesty International is also urging States to sustain their funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA has long served as a major lifeline for Palestinians, offering indispensable humanitarian aid, education and shelter.
Together, we are making a difference by showing our compassion and concern for human rights. Thank you for your ongoing support. Remember you can follow us on social media and join the Amnesty Community to keep taking life-changing human rights actions.