Geneva, 3rd October 2024 – The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) delivered a critical statement at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, sounding the alarm over the systematic dehumanization and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. The statement, presented by PRC representative Ms. Haya Natsheh, condemned the ongoing brutal acts of aggression that continue to strip Palestinians of their humanity.

PRC’s statement emphasized that the current wave of violence in Gaza is not simply a consequence of war but a deliberate and calculated campaign aimed at erasing an entire people. PRC described Gaza as an "open-air prison" where Palestinian civilians, including children, are being denied the basic necessities of life and subjected to inhumane treatment.

PRC drew attention to egregious acts of violence, including the bombing of shelters for displaced civilians, sexual assaults on Palestinian prisoners, and the use of attack dogs on civilians.

These are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a broader, systematic effort to dehumanize and displace Palestinians. "This is not just a humanitarian crisis," the PRC stated, "it is ethnic cleansing."

PRC underscored the moral responsibility of the international community, calling for an immediate end to the silence surrounding these atrocities. "Silence is complicity," PRC declared, urging world leaders to act decisively in bringing an end to the dehumanization and to ensure accountability for those responsible for war crimes.

In its closing remarks, PRC reaffirmed the right of Palestinians to live in dignity, safety, and freedom, and called on the global community to stand against the ongoing ethnic cleansing and uphold the principles of human rights and justice.