Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - December 9th, 2024

925-766-9050

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

Washington, DC, 9th December, 2024 – Today, as the world marks the adoption of the Genocide Convention in 1948, we are reminded of its solemn promise: never again. This landmark treaty arose from humanity’s collective horror at atrocities committed such as the Holocaust—reminders of the depths to which we can fall when the world turns a blind eye to suffering. The genocide in Namibia alongside later atrocities in Rwanda and Bosnia serve as stark reminders of the ongoing need for vigilance and action to uphold the treaty's principles and ensure an end to impunity.

The Genocide Convention does not simply condemn genocide; it obligates states to act, to prevent, and to protect. It places a legal and moral duty on governments to identify and respond to the risk of genocide wherever it arises.

Yet, too often, states have failed this duty. Today, in Gaza, we witness systematic atrocity crimes unfolding before the eyes of the international community. The human suffering is immense, with Israel’s leadership already facing allegations of grave violations of international law.

A year ago, the International Court of Justice issued provisional measures in response to South Africa’s case, affirming that all states have an obligation under the Genocide Convention to prevent acts that may lead to genocide. One year on, the world has yet to take meaningful action to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians or to halt the escalation of atrocities.

As humanitarian and human rights organizations, we call on member states to fulfill their international legal obligations by ensuring accountability for atrocity crimes in Gaza, taking proactive measures to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law, and halting actions, including arms transfers, that perpetuate the cycle of violence.

History has shown that failing to act in the face of atrocity crimes allows the unthinkable to become a grim reality. On this day, as we reflect on the lessons of the past, we must also act for the future. The suffering of the Palestinian people cannot be ignored; the promise of “never again” demands more than words—it demands action. Together, we call for an end to the suffering, an end to impunity, and an end to the atrocities.

SIGNATORIES
1. Action for Humanity
2. ActionAid
3. AFSC (American Friends Service Committee)
4. Anera
5. CAABU (Council for Arab-British Understanding)
6. Christian Aid
7. CMEP (Churches for Middle East Peace)
8. DRC (Danish Refugee Council)
9. GAPS (Gender Action for Peace and Security)
10. Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (GCR2P)
11. HelpAge International
12. Islamic Relief
13. MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians)
14. Médecins du Monde France
15. Médecins du Monde Suisse
16. Médicos del Mundo Spain
17. MECA for Peace (Middle East Children's Alliance for Peace)
18. Medico International
19. MCC (Mennonite Central Committee)
20. Oxfam
21. Premiere Urgence InternationaleProject Hope
22. Terre des Hommes Italy
23. Welfare Association

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Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of more than 30 national church communions and organizations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions that works to encourage US policies that actively promote a comprehensive resolution to conflicts in the Middle East with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. CMEP works to mobilize US Christians to embrace a holistic perspective and to be advocates of equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.

Recent CMEP Statements and Press Releases:

Nov 27, 2024 Churches for Middle East Peace Welcomes News of a Ceasefire Between Hezbollah and Israel
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes the news of a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel. We commend the cessation of hostilities and urge all parties to adhere strictly to the terms of the ceasefire. It is essential that this moment of respite leads to a sustained peace for all of the people of the region. We emphasize the urgent need for all parties to refrain from hostilities impacting civilians, particularly as families begin to return to their homes in both South Lebanon and Northern Israel. The safety and dignity of these individuals must remain a top priority.

Nov 20, 2024 CMEP Sponsors Take a Stand for the Holy Land Campaign
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is co-sponsoring the Take a Stand for the Holy Land Campaign alongside the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace (PCAP) and Friends of Sabeel North America. This campaign was created to call attention to Israel’s confiscation of Christian and Muslim property and escalation of violence against Palestinians. The campaign is also endorsed by sixteen organizations, including groups from nine major US denominations as per the latest press release. Take a Stand for the Holy Land aims to increase awareness among American Christians on the land left and persecution facing the Palestinian Christian community.

Nov 13, 2024 Gaza Humanitarian Snapshot #7
Humanitarian aid entering Gaza has fallen to an all-time low. CMEP, along with dozens of other humanitarian organizations, outlines the dire conditions found in Gaza in this Humanitarian Snapshot. These include the direct targeting of aid workers and aid distribution points. Furthermore, tens of thousands of civilians are still trapped in Northern Gaza, which Israel has stated is a combat zone and will not allow aid to enter the region.

Nov 12, 2024 Letter to President Biden to Change U.S. – Israel Policy
CMEP and dozens of other organizations call on President Biden to change the U.S. policy vis-a-vis Israel during the outgoing days of his presidential term. The letter calls on President Biden to acknowledge that the U.S. policy towards Israel has failed and further eroded U.S. interests in the region. It also calls on the President to hold Israel accountable before the law and halt weapons shipments until Israel properly facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

See all of our public statements and press releases.