“Call to Stop Humanitarian Crimes and to Protect Civilians Especially Women, People Living with Disability, and Children”
12 December 2023
The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) expresses deep concern and sorrow over the civilian casualties, particularly among women and children, in Gaza. According to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA, 8/12), around 17,177 Palestinians lost their lives, with 70% being women (5,153) and children (7,729). Additionally, 46,000 people were injured, 52,000 houses and buildings were damaged, and 1.93 million individuals (nearly 85 percent of the population) became refugees in Gaza. Conversely, on the Israeli side, 1,200 people lost their lives, and 5,431 were injured. According to UN data, almost 200 medical workers, 102 UN staff members, 41 journalists, and women who are human rights defenders were also among the victims.
The situation of human rights violations, specifically crimes against humanity and war crimes in the region, continues to worsen, with no indication of a resolution in sight. The United States’ veto and the UK’s abstention in the UN Security Council on the global call for a ceasefire for a humanitarian pause (Friday, 9/12) have intensified this dire scenario. Under these conditions, Gaza has tragically transformed into a graveyard for civilians, particularly impacting children and women.
Komnas Perempuan strongly condemns the stance of the superpower that allows the war to persist, leading to ongoing casualties. The use of extensive military force against civilians and humanitarian facilities by Israel cannot be justified under any circumstances, especially as a response to acts of violence by the Hamas group.
The escalating number of child and women victims in the Gaza conflict highlights a blatant disregard for the principles outlined in International Humanitarian Law, which emphasizes the imperative to prevent casualties among non-combatants and protect civilians. Survivors of the conflict, particularly vulnerable groups, not only endure the painful loss of loved ones and property destruction but also face various forms of violence, including gender-based violence, resulting in severe violations of their human rights. The deprivation of access to education, health services, employment, economic resources, clean water, and a safe environment constitutes the most fundamental violations of human rights.
Komnas Perempuan's analysis of mass media coverage revealed that both sides of the conflict denied the number of victims. Simultaneously, the data collection process encountered significant challenges due to destroyed infrastructure, hindering communication and information flow. Moreover, many victims were trapped under collapsed buildings.
In response to this critical situation, Komnas Perempuan called for an end to the denial of data regarding conflict victims. They emphasized the necessity for every party to ensure optimal handling, particularly for children and women, and to implement protection schemes, including in refugee camps, to mitigate the escalating number of victims. Komnas Perempuan underscored the importance of global solidarity to guarantee the fulfillment of basic needs for refugees, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups such as children, women, people living with disabilities, and the elderly.
Komnas Perempuan is also expressing concern about the broader consequences of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. The continued use of an “endless war” approach and the disregard for international humanitarian law are expected to fuel a rise in acts of hatred, threats, intolerance, and even terrorist attacks in various parts of the world. As a result, Komnas Perempuan underscores the urgency of addressing the situation to prevent further escalation and negative global repercussions by:
1. Advocating for and rallying behind the Government of Indonesia in its efforts to garner global support for an immediate ceasefire, bringing an end to the war, and delivering humanitarian aid with a particular focus on groups facing multiple vulnerabilities.
2. Calling on international security forces to offer the highest level of protection to women and children, including women who are human rights defenders, and safeguarding them from attacks that lead to injuries and fatalities.
3. Extending an invitation to the Indonesian people to stand in solidarity for peace in Palestine, urging them not to be swayed by issues of hatred and intolerance rooted in religion and race amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Contact Persons:
1. Rainy Hutabarat
2. Veryanto Sitohang
3. Andy Yentriyani
Contact Persons: Elsa (+62 813-8937-1400)