London, 10 December 2024 – Marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) has shared an open letter with United Nations delegations, urging decisive action to address the ongoing denial of Palestinian human rights as part of this year’s theme, Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

The letter emphasizes the transformative and preventative power of human rights as a path to a more peaceful, equal, and sustainable future. Highlighting the relevance of human rights in addressing pressing global challenges, the PRC calls on the international community to uphold its commitment to ensuring justice and dignity for Palestinians.

In this context, the PRC draws attention to recent reports, including one by Amnesty International, that detail Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. These reports serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to trust in the full power of human rights to bring about transformative solutions. Amnesty’s findings documented widespread civilian killings, destruction of infrastructure, mass displacement, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and restrictions on essential resources like electricity. The report concludes that these actions, coupled with statements by Israeli officials, constitute clear evidence of genocidal intent.

The PRC’s letter also highlights the importance of the Palestinian right of return, enshrined in Article 13 of the UDHR and reaffirmed by UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (III). This right offers a pathway to justice for over 9.17 million displaced Palestinians worldwide, many of whom live in stateless limbo and impoverished conditions.

By addressing these injustices, the international community can reaffirm the UDHR’s foundational message: that human rights are a protective and transformative force for good, capable of fostering peace and equality.

The PRC calls on UN delegations to advocate for the enforcement of Palestinians' right to return to their homes, receive compensation for losses, and regain their properties or access voluntary resettlement support. In doing so, they can help ensure that human rights continue to serve as a pathway to solutions for global challenges and inspire hope for a better future.

As part of the Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now campaign, PRC urges the global community to reflect on how human rights impact everyone, every day, and to mobilize action that reinvigorates the movement for justice and equality.