Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe (CoE), stated today that the conflict in the Gaza Strip has reached catastrophic proportions. He emphasized the importance of applying legal standards to ensure that arms transfers are not authorized where there is a risk of human rights violations.
O’Flaherty has engaged with CoE member states regarding their obligations under international arms trade to ensure their actions do not contribute to human rights abuses.
He acknowledged recent steps by some countries, such as Germany, to halt or restrict arms transfers to Israel and highlighted the role of national human rights institutions in raising awareness and urging governments to comply with human rights commitments.
However, he stressed that more urgent action is needed.
The Commissioner called on CoE member states to do everything possible to prevent human rights and humanitarian law violations amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, including ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid access and demanding the immediate release of hostages.
