Expanding settlements in Palestine a ‘war crime’: UN

Source-This post on Expanding settlements in Palestine a ‘war crime’: UN is based on the article “UN rights office says Israeli settlements in Palestinian areas amount to a ‘war crime‘” published in “The Hindu” on 9th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The recent report from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated that the establishment and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem constitute a war crime.

The office submitted its report to the Human Rights Council.

What does the report state?

1. Increase in the settlements– During the one-year span from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023, the report indicates approximately 24,300 housing units in existing West Bank settlements were “advanced.” This marks the highest annual figure since monitoring commenced in 2017.

2. Israel committing a war crime– Building and expanding settlements means Israel moves its people into occupied areas, breaking international law and possibly committing a war crime.

About Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

1. About:
a. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights.
b. It works to promote and protect the human rights that are guaranteed under international law and stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

2. Mandate– To ensure universal enjoyment of all human rights.

3. Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland

About UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

1. About– It is an inter-governmental body within the ‘United Nations’ system. The UNHRC works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights(OHCHR).

2. Establishment-The UNHRC replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 by a resolution.

3. Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland.

4. Mandate- It is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. It addresses situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

UPSC Syllabus- International Organisations