UN experts today called for prompt, transparent and independent investigations into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, perpetrated in the Occupied Palestinian Territory on 7 October 2023 and thereafter.
“Independent investigators must be given the necessary resources, support and access required to conduct prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into crimes allegedly committed by all parties to the conflict,” the experts said in a statement.
“The duty to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity, including any act of summary or extrajudicial killing, torture or other outrages on human dignity, is a fundamental legal obligation,” they said.
The experts urged the international community to ensure that all those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as any other international crimes committed in the conflict, especially persons with command responsibility, are promptly brought to justice.
“There is no statute of limitation for such crimes, and the
y fall under universal jurisdiction, which means that courts in any country can exercise their authority to prosecute those responsible, regardless of their nationality and the country where the crimes were committed,” they said. “We encourage all States to play a proactive role in identifying key suspected perpetrators and helping to facilitate prosecutions through the principle of mutual legal assistance,” they added.
Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA