UN human rights experts have issued a strong condemnation of the continued assaults on United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools in Gaza and East Jerusalem, labeling these attacks as an “assault on children.” Their statement underscores that targeting educational facilities may constitute a war crime under international law. This condemnation follows reports of over 180 UNRWA installations being damaged amidst ongoing conflict, and several schools were directly hit despite established deconfliction protocols.
The UN experts highlighted that attacks on schools, especially those under UN auspices, not only violate the inviolability of such premises but also infringe upon the right to education. This right is enshrined in both Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The statement also references Article 52 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits attacks on civilian structures unless used for military purposes, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which defines the targeting of schools as a war crime. It is noted, however, that Israel is not a signatory to these specific legal instruments.
This recent condemnation comes in light of growing international concerns about Israel’s policies in Gaza. Human Rights Watch has expressed apprehensions about potential humanitarian crises, urging global condemnation of Israel’s strategies in the region. Similar calls have been made by UN experts who advocate for international intervention to de-escalate the ongoing violence. Additionally, the European Union, represented by High Representative Kaja Kallas, has called for Israel to lift its blockade and permit humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
For further details on these developments, read the original report on JURIST.