By Lawrence K. Tsuro

Development Practitioner and Rights Activists

The quest for justice and human dignity has been a recurring theme throughout human history, interwoven with themes of sacrifice, solidarity, and struggle. Particularly, the human rights movement has shone a light on the deepest corners of marginalisation and persecution. Yet underneath the surface of admirable words and high aspirations lies a darker reality characterised by collaboration, silence, and hypocrisy.

Human rights supporters’ silence in the face of injustice, especially against women and marginalised populations, is the clearest example of this paradox of hypocrisy. The confidence to state the truth as it is has been stripped away by this silence, which betrays the trust and solidarity that support the human rights struggle. This year only, the world has witnessed first-hand the hypocrisy of many countries and international activists who claim to support women’s rights.

Their silence in the face of oppressive actions is deafening, making life, health, and quality of living challenging for women in different countries. The armed conflicts and war crimes in Palestine are stark examples of this hypocrisy. These activists are not only silent but also complicit in these crimes, which is a gross violation of human rights. Their inaction is a betrayal of the trust placed in them to protect and promote human rights. The consequences of their silence are devastating. The impact of their hypocrisy is felt most acutely by women and marginalised communities. They are the ones who suffer the most in conflicts and are often denied their basic human rights.

The silence of these countries and activists emboldens perpetrators and perpetuates a culture of impunity. It is a stark reminder that the rhetoric of human rights is often not matched by action. According to a Geneva study published in May 2024, UN experts pointed out that women, girls, and children in general are among the groups most at risk from this ongoing conflict.

 

As of April 29, 2024, out of the 34 488 Palestinians murdered in Gaza, 9 500 were women and 14 500 were children. According to reports, an additional 77 643 people have been hurt, with 75 percent of them thought to be female. Over 8 000 others are reported missing or under the rubble – and the experts noted that at least half of them can be assumed to be women and children. They also noted that an estimated 63 women, including 37 mothers are being killed daily and 17 000 Palestinian children are believed to have been orphaned since the war on Gaza began.

Therefore, I ask the most straightforward question possible: “What have we done to stop the violence aside from the brave South African lawyers who have shown incredible bravery by taking the Palestine issue to the international courts?” Because these lives of women and marginalised communities are not mere statistics or headlines; they are human beings deserving of immediate dignity and respect. Their rights must be protected and promoted.

Let me remind you all activists around the world that the notion that human rights are universal and inalienable is a farce when activists who claim to support human rights are silent in the face of oppression. Their silence is a tacit endorsement of the status quo, which perpetuates inequality and injustice. Human rights are not a pick-and-choose menu; they are fundamental to human dignity. The selective application of human rights is a betrayal of the principles of justice and equality. Human rights must be upheld universally, without exception.

The silence of activists who claim to support human rights is not only morally reprehensible but also strategically short-sighted. It emboldens perpetrators and undermines efforts to build a more just and peaceful world. Human rights are not a zero-sum game; they are a fundamental aspect of human dignity. The promotion and protection of human rights are essential for building a more just and peaceful world. The silence of these countries and activists is a stark reminder that much work remains to be done.

More so, the struggle for human rights is not a partisan or ideological issue; it is a fundamental aspect of human dignity. Human rights are not a luxury but a necessity for building a more just and peaceful world. The silence of countries and activists who claim to support human rights is a betrayal of this fundamental principle. Human rights must be upheld universally, without exception. The lives of women and marginalised communities depend on it.

In Solidarity with women and citizens in Palestine, the silence of those who claim to support human rights is a blunt reminder that much work remains to be done. The code for human rights for all must be upheld universally, without exception. The lives of women and marginalised communities in Palestine depend on it. As human rights activists, we must continue to speak out against hypocrisy and demand action from those who claim to be defenders and supporters of human rights.

Remember as we stand together in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against women and girls around the globe, the struggle for human rights is not a partisan or ideological issue; it is a fundamental aspect of human dignity.

 

https://www.herald.co.zw/the-silent-voice-for-rights-of-palestinian-women-a-betrayal-to-our-cause/