First of all, I think Jan makes an excellent point that we as liberals
should foremost look at the situation of the individual people who are being
affected by the conflict, which is no doubt one of the most complex issues in
international politics today. My organization sent a small exploratory mission
to Israel
last weekend to speak with some Palestinian youth organizations. The lack of
hope for a better future is the main problem for young people in the region.
When there is constant fear for conflict, which is also present among Israeli
youth, it must be difficult to build a society, let alone two democratic states
that can co-exist peacefully.
As for the international reaction, the UN has always been a battleground for
the proponents of both sides in the conflict. A majority of states puts the
blame on Israel, a large
minority is in-between, and a few states are against any condemnation of
Israeli actions (usually the US
and Israel).
But it must be said that picture is not always clear, as there are even
diverging opinions within the European Union. There are different interests for
France than for the Netherlands,
for example. Now, it is evident that Israel has a lot to answer for when
human rights are concerned. It is equally so that the Palestinian Authorities
can do a lot more to prevent acts of terrorism.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to ask for an evenhanded resolution in a conflict
where the parties are not balanced at all. So, I do feel there is a need for
institutions like the Human Rights Council to speak out. However, it is
necessary that the HRC does this in a credible way. In the past, it was easy to
issue a condemnation without any justification. Now, by strengthening the
apparatus for monitoring human rights on an international level, the members of
HRC will be held more accountable for the statements they make. Hopefully, this
will bring an end to the vicious circle of finger-pointing and give way for a
strong and effective international voice in regards to the conflict in the
region.
Thomas Leys
President, Jong Spirit (Flanders/Belgium)
Member of the IFLRY Shadow Human Rights Council