UN Adds Israel to ‘List of Shame’ for Alleged Child Rights Violations

UN Adds Israel to ‘List of Shame’ for Alleged Child Rights Violations

Keywords: UN, Israel, Child Rights, Annexation, Geneva Convention

The United Nations Security Council has condemned Israel for violations against children, adding the country to a “list of shame” for the first time.

The resolution, passed on Wednesday, expressed “grave concern” about the “continued systematic violations of the rights of children” by Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.

According to the UN, Israeli forces have killed at least 76 Palestinian children since early 2021, injured nearly 1,000, and detained over 2,000. The report also raised concerns about the use of excessive force, administrative detention without charge or trial, and the impact of the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights on children’s rights.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Reacts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the resolution, accusing the UN of bias against Israel. He claimed that the resolution “ignores the fact that Hamas terrorists intentionally target Israeli children” and that Israel has a “moral obligation” to defend its citizens.

Netanyahu also reiterated Israel’s position that the annexation of the Golan Heights was legal, arguing that it was necessary for the country’s security.

Implications

The UN resolution is a significant diplomatic setback for Israel, which has long faced criticism for its treatment of Palestinians. It could also lead to further scrutiny of Israel’s actions and strengthen the case for international accountability.

The resolution sends a clear message that the international community will not tolerate violations of children’s rights and that Israel must uphold its obligations under the Geneva Convention.