World

UN official resignation cites ‘textbook case of genocide’

By Matt De Vlieger · November 2, 2023

In a surprising move, Craig Mokhiber, the Director of the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, has tendered his resignation, accompanied by a scathing indictment of the United Nations for its failure to address what he unequivocally describes as a genocide unfolding in Palestine. Mokhiber’s resignation letter, dated October 28, 2023, and addressed to Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, is a stark and impassioned call to action.

This week Mokhiber appeared on Democracy Now! to discuss his resignation with host Amy Goodman.

A Dire Situation Unfolding Before Our Eyes

Mokhiber begins his letter by acknowledging the global anguish surrounding the situation in Palestine, where he believes a genocide is taking place. He points out that the United Nations, an organization established to prevent such atrocities, seems powerless to stop it.

“Once again, we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes, and the Organization that we serve appears powerless to stop it.”

Mokhiber’s extensive experience in human rights investigations in Palestine, including living in Gaza and conducting missions in the region, lends a deeply personal dimension to his concerns. He draws parallels with previous genocides and atrocities and notes the UN’s repeated failure to fulfill its duty to prevent mass atrocities, protect the vulnerable, and hold perpetrators accountable.

A Stark Accusation: Genocide in Palestine

Mokhiber does not mince words when characterizing the situation in Palestine, asserting that the current violence against Palestinians amounts to genocide. He argues that it is rooted in an ethno-nationalist settler colonial ideology, coupled with explicit statements of intent by Israeli leaders, leaving no room for doubt or debate.

This is a text-book case of genocide.

He highlights the indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gaza, the seizure of homes based on race in the West Bank, and the presence of apartheid conditions across the land.

Complicity of Western Powers

Mokhiber goes on to accuse the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe of being complicit in the crisis. He asserts that not only are these governments failing to uphold their treaty obligations under the Geneva Conventions, but they are actively supporting Israel through economic, intelligence, political, and diplomatic means.

The governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe, are wholly complicit in the horrific assault.

A Ten-Point Plan for Immediate Action

In his resignation letter, Mokhiber presents a ten-point plan to address the situation in Palestine. This plan includes calling for a transitional justice process, advocating for a UN protection force to safeguard civilians, pushing for the removal and destruction of Israel’s stockpiles of weapons, recognizing the lack of credibility in Western mediators, and welcoming human rights defenders in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

We must work for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the longstanding siege on Gaza, and stand up against the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank.

A Call to Embrace a More Principled Course

Mokhiber concludes his letter by urging the UN, particularly the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to embrace a more principled and bold approach. He calls on OHCHR to join the global anti-apartheid movement and stand for equality and human rights for the Palestinian people.

The world is watching. We will all be accountable for where we stood at this crucial moment in history. Let us stand on the side of justice.

Craig Mokhiber’s resignation letter serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the situation in Palestine and the need for international action to address the crisis. His accusations and calls for action place considerable pressure on the United Nations to respond effectively and address the allegations made by the departing Director. The world is indeed watching, and the responsibility to act in the face of such a crisis is a challenge the international community cannot ignore.