Middle East
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In new report, Syrians show why it is not safe to return
19-10-2020It is still not safe for refugees to return to Syria. Just ask those who have done so.
Middle East -
Human Rights Council, help bridge Yemen's 'acute accountability gap'
22-09-2020States should help pave the way towards credible accountability and redress for the people of Yemen by renewing and strengthening international investigations into war crimes, other serious violations of international humanitarian law, and grave human rights abuses during this 45th Session of the UN Human Rights Council), 24 organizations said today.
Middle East -
No peace without women
20-09-2020“The role of women in conflict resolution cannot be overestimated,” says Anna Timmerman, general director of PAX.
Gender, Peace & Security Europe, Africa, Middle East -
Dutch announcement to hold Syria accountable is welcome step on long road towards justice
18-09-2020The Dutch government today announced that it will hold Syria responsible under international law for gross human rights violations, especially torture. Syria has been informed of the decision by a diplomatic note, which is a first step in a series of steps that may lead to a case in an international court. Syrian partners of PAX welcome the Dutch initiative as an important step on the long road towards justice and hope it sets a clear signal that the international community is determined to hold those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria accountable.
Middle East -
'The country is boiling': Anti-government activists in Iraq are living in fear as assassinations become increasingly frequent
27-08-2020Two Iraqi activists, Riham Yaqoub and Tahseen Osama, were murdered in Basra, in the south of Iraq, by unidentified assailants last week. Two other activists were also attacked by gunmen. Since the start of the anti-government protests in Iraq in October 2019, Iraqi political activists, protestors and journalists have been facing violent assaults, assassinations, and forced disappearances.
Middle East -
Beirut explosion comes on top of already enormous problems
05-08-2020Like the rest of the world, PAX is shocked by the devastating events in Beirut, Lebanon. We are in close contact with our friends and partners. Our hearts and thoughts go out to them, and all people in Lebanon, affected by this terrible disaster.
Gender, Peace & Security, Local Governance and Peacebuilding Middle East -
Dawoud al-Ghoul released, but with conditions
29-07-2020PAX contact in East Jerusalem Dawoud al-Ghoul was released on conditions yesterday after his arrest had been extended twice. Unfortunately the release doesn’t mean the case is over. While no charges have been filed against him, conditions including house arrest, financial bail and contact limitation have been imposed pending an ongoing investigation.
Middle East -
Israeli security forces arrest Palestinian cultural leader in East Jerusalem
23-07-2020Israeli security forces arrested 3 Palestinian cultural leaders in East Jerusalem yesterday. Rania Elias, director of the Yabous cultural centre and Suhail Khoury, director of the Edward Said National Conservatory for Music, were released the same day but Dawoud al-Ghoul, head of the Jerusalem Arts Network, remains in custody.
Middle East -
A river of toxic waste flows through Syria
01-07-2020Rivers of crude oil and oil waste are flowing through northeast Syria, with no solution in sight for the thousands of people affected by the pollution.
Humanitarian Disarmament Middle East -
Iraqi activist letter to UN gets over 7,000 signatures
23-06-2020A letter to the United Nations calling for equal rights for women in Iraq and for protection during demonstrations has gotten more than 7,000 signatures here in the Netherlands.
Gender, Peace & Security, Protection of Civilians, Community Based Security and Citizens Rights Middle East, The Netherlands