September 21, 2025, marks the International Day of Peace, established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/282 (7 September 2001) dedicated to the cessation of hostilities worldwide, the rejection of violence and the promotion of a culture of peace based on education, awareness and international cooperation.
On this occasion, Alkarama affirms that peace can only be achieved through respect for human rights and human dignity as well as ensuring equality before the law and equal opportunities. These principles, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the two International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights are fundamental. Lasting peace remains impossible as long as the logic of force prevails and the values of justice are marginalized.
While the United Nations has adopted the slogan this year “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, the organization itself remains marginalized in managing international security and peace issues. Even more concerning, its representatives, humanitarian and human rights agencies and international organizations cooperating with it are repeatedly targeted by attacks and pressures, notably against UNRWA, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Ms. Francesca Albanese and the International Criminal Court.
Regional Context
Moreover, the reality on the ground shows that many Arab countries continue to face severe human rights violations whether through direct violence linked to armed conflicts (Yemen, Libya, Sudan) or structural violence resulting from the absence of policies ensuring dignified living conditions for their populations.
Palestine
On this occasion, it is essential to recall that the Palestinian people are subjected to some of the most extreme forms of violence and international crimes perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities, amounting to war crimes and genocide under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Over the past two years, military offensives have caused more than 65,000 deaths and 165,000 injuries, deliberately targeting civilians and infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank. These assaults are accompanied by repeated attacks against Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Qatar, and Iran, seriously threatening regional and international peace and security.
The inaction of the international community, remaining silent in the face of well-documented violations, constitutes a clear breach of the United Nations Charter and the obligations of States Parties to the Geneva Conventions. Furthermore, pressures exerted on UN mechanisms, such as UNRWA and Special Rapporteurs, undermine the very effectiveness of the international human rights protection system.
Despite this inertia, some positive positions have emerged from governments rejecting the policies of the Israeli occupation. At the same time, unprecedented global popular mobilizations have arisen to denounce these violations, ranging from demonstrations and sit-ins to various peaceful civil initiatives, including the Freedom Flotilla heading to the coasts of Gaza.
Conclusion
As grim as the situation may seem, the outcome will inevitably depend on respect for justice, dignity and indivisible human rights. Alkarama emphasizes that respecting these principles remains the only path to achieving a true and lasting global peace. Alkarama also stresses that the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of international crimes poses a direct threat to the entire international legal order.