Al Mezan welcomes the start of Palestinian talks in Mecca; calls for the respecting of human rights in the OPT

Al Mezan Center for Human Rights praises the start of serious negotiations between Fatah and Hamas today in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
It urges the two parties to reach a national agreement on the major political issues and to ensure respect for human rights.
Palestinian leadership, including the Presidency and government, have an obligation to take all tangible steps under their power to promote, protect and fulfil the internationally recognized human rights of Palestinians.
Over the past months, we have already seen the results of replacing constructive national dialogue with the use of force to address the political differences among Palestinian parties.
Since the beginning of 2007, Al Mezan has documented the killing of 98 Palestinians and the injuring of 439.
Dozens have also been kidnapped in a series of waves of infighting.
During clashes, all parties committed serious violations of human rights.
In particular, no party took steps to protect the uninvolved civilians.
On the contrary, we have witnessed the use of live ammunition against demonstrating civilians, attacks against medical teams and abuse of civilian persons and their property.
Moreover, individuals have been subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
In many cases, combatants who had laid down their arms were then subsequently killed or seriously injured.
Al Mezan has strongly condemned these practices, which are contrary to human rights standards and international humanitarian law.
It has called for avoiding inflicting harm on civilians and for the immediate halt of violations.
Al Mezan seizes the opportunity of the commencement of Palestinian-Palestinian talks to wish success for the dialogue.
It calls upon all parties to strictly observe the provisions of IHL and ensure respect for human rights, especially those non-derogable rights, in all circumstances.
The Center also wishes to remind all the parties that they are under an obligation to take clear, tangible steps to protect civilians, prevent the perpetration of breaches of IHL and the violations of human rights.
The presence of armed clashes do not exempt these parties from their obligations.
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