Press Release: ICJP Submits Communication to the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council Regarding Israel’s Ongoing Destruction of the Al-Shuhada’ Cemetery

On 15 June 2022, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians submitted a Communication to the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 1967; the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief regarding Israel’s targeting of the Al Shuhada’ Cemetery. 

The Communication sent by ICJP was brought on behalf of the Islamic Cemeteries Committee after relentlessly fighting a legal battle before Israel’s national courts against the ongoing destruction and excavation of the Cemetery.  

ICJP notes that Israel’s actions in the Al Shuhada’ Cemetery contravenes its obligations under international human rights law and constitutes a violation of its obligation to ensure protection of Palestinians’ religious freedom, including protection for Islamic holy and sacred sites. In addition, Israel’s actions demonstrate a pattern of consistent violations against known buildings, sites and objects of religious and cultural significance to Palestinians and the Muslim community, despite clear and consistent efforts by organisations acting on behalf of the Palestinian community to raise awareness of not only the cultural and religious significance of the Cemetery and gravesites, but the severe harm and grave impact Israel’s continued actions have on the Palestinian community. 

To learn more about the Al Shuhada’ Cemetery, read our previous Press Release here.