">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
UN rights council condemns Israeli offensive in Gaza
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
UN rights council condemns Israeli offensive in Gaza
AFP - Tuesday, January 13
GENEVA (AFP) - - A divided UN Human Rights Council voted on Monday to condemn Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip and set up a probe into "grave" human rights violations by Israeli forces against the Palestinians.
The resolution setting up a fact-finding mission was adopted despite the lack of Western support.
Thirty-three African, Asian, Arab and Latin American countries voted for the resolution. Thirteen mainly European states abstained, while Canada was the only country to vote against.
The 47 member council -- frequently critical of Israel in the past -- normally seeks to adopt resolutions by consensus.
Western countries said the text put forward by Arab and African states was too biased and failed to clearly recognise the role that rocket attacks launched by Palestinian militants played in triggering the offensive.
Last minute changes failed to overcome the differences after the special session on the violence in the Gaza Strip spilled into a second day.
The European Union's representative said the EU could have supported some elements, but found the text too one-sided despite its concern about human rights violations in Gaza.
Israel also dismissed the resolution as biased and cast doubt on the Council's credibility. The United States is not on the Council and steers clear of it.
The text released by the UN Council "strongly" condemned the Israeli military operation in Gaza, saying it had "resulted in massive violations" of the human rights of Palestinians.
With the toll surpassing 900, including nearly 400 women and children, according to Gaza medics, it called for "urgent international action" to halt "grave human rights violations by Israel".
The draft resolution also called for an end to rocket attacks against Israeli civilians.
But the key contents were four overlapping probes targeting Israel.
The resolution tasked 10 UN experts on human rights and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay with two separate probes into the violence.
It also set up an independent, international fact-finding mission to "investigate all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by Israel", while UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was asked to investigate the bombing of UNRWA schools in the Gaza Strip.
During the first day of the session on Friday, Pillay had warned that human rights violations in Gaza were extremely serious and some attacks that hit civilians and relief workers might warrant prosecutions for war crimes.
"Credible, independent and transparent" investigations were a first step towards ensuring accountability, she added on Friday, warning that "violations of international humanitarian law may constitute war crimes for which individual criminal responsibility may be invoked."
Julie de Rivero of the advocacy group Human Rights Watch said lack of consensus and the resolution's focus on Israel "undermined its credibility."
Israel has refused to cooperate with similar fact-finding missions in the past, as well as a UN special rapporteur on the human rights of the Palestinians, complaining of bias because they fail to consider attacks on Israelis as well.
Israeli authorities last month detained and turned back the UN expert, Richard Falk, upon his arrival at Ben Gurion airport, accusing him of "legitimising Hamas terrorism."
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: World
US judge spares Madoff from pre-trial jailAFP - 2 hours 4 minutes ago
EU wins Russian promise to restore gas suppliesAFP - 2 hours 9 minutes ago
Israel tanks advance in Gaza as toll passes 900AFP - 2 hours 26 minutes ago
Swiss court OKs return of Marcos' final $8MAP - 2 hours 39 minutes ago
Bush lists his mistakes, disappointments in officeAP - 2 hours 40 minutes ago
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Britain's Prince Harry apologises for racist language
Kate Winslet wins Golden Globe supporting actress
Britain's Prince William trains as search-and-rescue pilot
Swiss bank set to announce record loss: report
Israel tanks advance in Gaza as toll passes 900
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Other News on Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Bush rues war mistakes as Biden arrives in Iraq
Obama ceremony to be beamed to Europe in High Definition TV
Israeli reservists enter war
EU warns Slovakia against reopening nuclear plant
Virtual sex is coming soon
Roman Polanski's Bid To Dismiss His Sex Case From L.A. Court Denied
Israel tanks advance in Gaza as toll passes 900
Iran's Khatami says may run for president again
| International
|
Email and text keep neighbours in Gaza and Sderot in touch
Israel bans Arab parties from coming election
UN rights council condemns Israeli offensive in Gaza
Israel, Hamas take Gaza war into cyberspace
French black rights group enlists Obama look-alike
| International
|
Porn makers surfing the mobile Internet wave
Serbia offers tax-free reward for Mladic capture
| International
|
Toyota plans global electric car launch
Aerospace firm EADS to unveil laser sniper spotter
Sri Lankan editor points finger from the grave
China urges increased vigilance against bird flu during holiday
Antibiotics abuse killing 80,000 Chinese a year: state media
Microsoft resumes Windows 7 test downloads
| Technology
|
Slim hope for survivors of lost Indonesian ferry
Dell settles state consumer protection claims
| Technology
|
Supreme Court asks for government view on Cablevision DVR case
| Technology
|
DPM Jayakumar pays tribute to former Indonesian FM Ali Alatas
Singapore and Brunei conclude military exercise
Sri Lanka launches air strikes on Tamil rebels
US judge spares Madoff from pre-trial jail
Telcos to triple mobile broadband speed to 21Mbps in Q2
Bush defends his presidential record
US reaffirms Iran opposition group as terrorists
Top O—Level student comes from CHIJ St Nicholas
Aerospace firm EADS to unveil laser sniper spotter
| Technology
|
Chinese automakers face headwinds to US sales
South Korea's KEXIM launches $2 bln 5-yr debt offer
Biden Meets With Iraqi Leaders During Trip Abroad
Canada Prepares For Future Obama State Visit
New York Governor Meets Caroline Kennedy
Internet Fora Warn Credit Card Holders To Be Wary Of Small Charge From New York Firm
Amy Winehouse's husband seeks divorce
| Entertainment
|
Jean de Florette director Claude Berri dies
| Entertainment
|
`Dark Knight,' `Slumdog' vie for editing prizes
Gandolfini stars on B'way in 'God of Carnage'
Vancouver Likely To Have 911 System Upgraded For 2010 Winter Games
American Jews split over Israeli offensive
Mexican actor Gael Garcia becomes a dad
American Physicist, Google Argue Over Search Engine's Carbon Footprint
Amy Winehouse's husband seeks divorce: lawyer
Giving birth is dangerous business in Liberia
Homegrown hip hop catches on in northern Nigeria
Christie's auction house to cut jobs
Lawyer: Winehouse's husband to file for divorce
Burger King Campaign Urges Facebook Users To Drop 10 Friends For A Whopper
Airplane Doubles As Car With Wings Folded Up, Due Out In 2010
Israeli leader warns Hamas of 'iron fist'
Retro tech also on display at CES
Slovakia tests EU's patience with nuclear plant relaunch plan
Biden meets with Iraqi leaders; bombings kill 10
U.S. pushes for U.N. Somalia force in draft resolution
| International
|
Sainz stamps his authority on Dakar Rally
Supreme Court asks for government view on Cablevision DVR case
Dell settles state consumer protection claims
UN chief demands immediate truce in Gaza
Automakers put on brave face at tense Detroit auto show
Costa Rica earthquake deaths seen around 40
| International
|
Microsoft resumes Windows 7 test downloads
Gaza fighting must stop: UN chief
Joe the Plumber calls on Obama to help Israel
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,226
Israel's Olmert: Rice embarrassed over UN vote
Cuba policy experts say US should engage Cuba
Netbooks take center stage at CES
| Technology
|
Survivors of Indonesian ferry recount horrors
Sri Lanka bombs rebel leaders' hide-out
Japan to launch multisatellite mission
US sanctions Khan, associates linked to his nuclear network
New Thai PM hails election boost
'Bananas saved my life,' says Indonesia ferry survivor
Pet food suspected of killing dogs in China
Army Chopper Crashes In Texas Campus; 1 Dead, 4 Injured
Murder-Suicide At Las Vegas Clinic Claims Two Lives
Wall Street Falls Ahead Of Earnings Season
Extreme Weather Patterns Headed To Midwest, Northeast
Senate Democrats Say Burris Likely To Be Seated Later In Week
Study Finds Number Of Obese Americans Outweighs Merely Overweight
Judge Rules In Favor Of Madoff, Allowing Him To Avoid Jail And Remain Confined To NYC Condo
Hollywood stars to shine at inauguration kickoff
| Entertainment
|
Golden Globes gets smallest TV audience in years
| Entertainment
|
Photographers settle suit over nude Monroe photos
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares open down; Hynix up on sale hopes
Sony expected to report operating loss: reports
South Korea sees forex liquidity shortage easing
Glenn Close honored on 'Walk of Fame'
Hollywood stars to shine at inauguration kickoff
Sequels, prequels, remakes lead 2009 pack
New Zealand business confidence dives in Q4
Indian mobile operator launches services in Sri Lanka
Economists say Philippine capital should become more dense
Motown Records celebrates 50th anniversary
Golden Globes gets smallest TV audience in years
Pet food suspected of killing dogs in China
Glenn Close honored on 'Walk of Fame'
Hollywood stars to shine at inauguration kickoff
Court grants Love Hewitt restraining order
Sequels, prequels, remakes lead 2009 pack
NY Philharmonic to perform in Hanoi, Abu Dhabi
Eastwood's `Gran Torino' races to $29.5M weekend
New York Philharmonic to debut in Vietnam, UAE
Photographers settle suit over nude Monroe photos
Shots fired at Israeli patrol on Jordan border
Gazprom says starts pumping gas via Ukraine
| International
|
Israel, Hamas locked in fierce Gaza City street battles
Israeli forces intensify Gaza offensive
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Ethiopian troops quit main bases in Mogadishu
| International
|
Israeli tanks advance deeply into Gaza
Massa looking to future in F60
Bad weather hits desperate Indonesia ferry search
| International
|
Mass migration home starts for Chinese New Year
| International
|
Vietnam finds H5N1 in smuggled Chinese birds
| International
|
India's MBA graduates face bleak job prospects
| International
|
Vietnam earmarks $115 million for global warming
British trade minister kicks off Southeast Asian trip in Singapore
Vietnam earmarks $115 million for global warming
Forrester sees 2009 tech spending fall
| Technology
|
Cambodian PM makes first Midle East visit
Smooth Senate hearing seen for Hillary Clinton
Amnesty: 4 victims tortured to death in Thailand
Clinton to promise 'smart power' at Senate confirmation
Group: China fails to improve human rights in 2008
Obama to order Guantanamo prison closed
Obama To Issue Executive Order Reviewing Cases Of Gitmo Prisoners
Illinois attorney wins battle to succeed Obama
SKorean nuke envoy to visit NKorea to discuss fuel rods: Yonhap
Microsoft Sets Unlimited Download Of Windows 7 Beta
Minnesota Health Officials Link Salmonella Outbreak To Peanut Butter
Seng Han Thong conscious after skin graft operation
Australian aviation pioneer dies at age 93
Report: NKorea frees Japanese after long detention
Thai air force chief calls on Defence Minister Teo
BNP boosts Taiwan presence with insurance JV
S.Korea may grow under 2 pct in '09 -official
Sony shares tumble on fears of big loss
Seoul shares end higher as Hynix, banks climb
Asian stocks skid on earnings jitters
Ledger's Globe expected to go to daughter Matilda
| Entertainment
|
Report: China's exports fall again in December
Redford says there are too many film festivals
| Entertainment
|
WRAPUP 1-NZ rating outlook cut, kiwi dollar dives
Mariska Hargitay suffers partially collapsed lung
| Entertainment
|
South Korea hints at government reshuffle
Ray Romano returning to TV with male drama
| Entertainment
|
South Korean won erases losses as stocks rebound
Slumdog sweeps to Golden Globe victory
| Entertainment
|
Bad weather hits desperate Indonesia ferry search
Springsteen and U2 line up for Obama celebration
| Entertainment
|
S&P cuts NZ foreign currency rating outlook
Microsoft Scraps Limit On Windows 7 Beta Download
Retro tech also on display at CES
Hormone therapy hastens brain mass loss: study
Luxury cars defy down market
NY director accused of attacking wannabe actresses
Ray Romano returning to TV with male drama
Mariska Hargitay suffers partially collapsed lung
Hallelujah chorus reigns down on Bonzi Wells in China
Lahiri, Wolff finalists for Story Prize
Australian Open staying in Melbourne, say organisers
Iran tries 4 in alleged US-backed coup plot
Biden meets Iraqi PM to discuss U.S. troop presence
| International
|
Red Cross chief on official visit to Gaza, Israel
Russian gas flows toward shivering Europe
Japan PM under pressure as ex-minister quits
| International
|
Mariska Hargitay Suffers From Partially Collapsed Lung
Jennifer Love Hewitt Granted A Restraining Order Against A 62-Year-Old Stalker
Passionate Bush defends legacy in final news conference
Pakistan state not linked to Mumbai attack: Britain
| International
|
Two men stoned to death in Iran
Iran says uncovers U.S.-backed coup plot
| International
|
Iran says uncovers U.S.-backed plot
Seoul team to make rare nuclear visit to North Korea
| International
|
US forces chief urges less military use in foreign policy
China: Future French ties depend on Tibet handling
Former Japan Cabinet minister quits ruling party
China's trade slump worsens in December
Solar Roof Systems To Become More Affordable As Supply Grows
Senate Leaders Support Release Of Remaining $350 Billion Financial Bailout Funds
Hewitt too strong for Benneteau at Sydney tennis
Six Major Carmakers Absent At Detroit Auto Show
Australia offers up 'best job': lounge in paradise
Blizzard Moves Across North Dakota, Closing Schools
Obama, Mexican President Discuss Drug Trafficking, Immigration In First Meeting
Heath Ledger's award was 'bittersweet' for father
Police In 3 States Searching For Financial Adviser Who Allegedly Faked Plane Crash
China's New Horizon Capital raises 1 bln yuan fund
Amnesty alleges 4 tortured to death in Thailand
10 alleged Islamic militants tried in Indonesia
Thai Cabinet approves $3.3 bln stimulus plan
China's exports 'fall for second month amid crisis'
China's trade slump worsens in December
Goldman Sachs says SKorean economy to contract
HK index stretches losing streak with 2.2 pct drop
Taiwan dlr at 1-mth low on outflows; exporters buy
Hong Kong named world's freest economy
Glenn Close wins big with Damages
| Entertainment
|
Healthy profit for India's Infosys, but still caution
Patrick Swayze the best thing about Beast
| Entertainment
|
Patrick Swayze the best thing about "Beast"
Economic meltdown a hot topic in Hollywood
| Entertainment
|
Economic meltdown a hot topic in Hollywood
New judge drops American Idol hints
| Entertainment
|
Bright Prospect For Gaming Industry In 2009
Car Batteries Take Center Stage In North American International Auto Show
India toasts success of `Slumdog' after awards
Globe winners continue celebration with LA critics
Heath Ledger's award was `bittersweet' for father
`Idol' returns with the good, the bad, the bikini
Glenn Close wins big with "Damages"
Patrick Swayze the best thing about "Beast"
Howie Mandel hospitalized with irregular heartbeat
Economic meltdown a hot topic in Hollywood
New judge drops "American Idol" hints
Aamir Khan blockbuster is Bollywood's biggest grossing movie
Biden meets Iraqi PM to discuss U.S. troop withdrawal
Germany signs massive recovery package
Forrester sees 2009 tech spending fall
Ukraine admits blocking Europe gas transit, blames Russia
U.K. Muslim Youth Foundation Director Apologizes For Slamming Prince Harry
Zimbabwe cholera deaths more than 2,000: WHO
| International
|
Roman Polanski's Victim Wants The Sex Charge Dismissed To Save Her From Further Trauma
Israel trying to 'wipe out' Palestinians in Gaza: Abbas
Game Show Host Howie Mandel Rushed To The Hospital Following Severe Chest Pains Complaint
Clinton says U.S. must lead on economy and climate
Chu gets support in Senate
Clinton says U.S. must lead on economy and climate
US cannot solve world's problems alone: Clinton
China state broadcaster rejects propaganda charge
Indonesia scales down search for ferry survivors
Lion dance troupe use booklets to market their culture and business
Oil rises to $38 as OPEC cuts outweigh low demand
Thai writer: End prosecution for 'insulting king'
Removing cats to protect birds backfires on island
New women’s table tennis coach starts work on Tuesday
Australian aviation pioneer dies at age 93
NJ Sea Wall Collapse Leaves 2 Homes Sliding Into Sea
Gay Bishop To Lead Invocation At Opening Inaugural Celebration
Better and more efficient healthcare service with larger healthcare pool
China's population of Web users hits 298 million
Bodies Of Young Mother, 4 Children Ages 3 To 7 Found At OK Apartment Complex
NKorea says it won't give up nuclear weapons
U.S. And China Based Senior Executives Of Pharmaceutical Company Agree To Compensation Freeze Because Of Economy