Israel, US Boycott Conference In Geneva For Palestinian Human Rights

Associated Press
Published: 12.17.14, 17:22

The US and Israel boycotted a conference held in Geneva that called on the 196 signatories of the Geneva Conventions which discussed the human rights of Palestinians living in "occupied territories."

The international community delivered a stinging rebuke to Israel's settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, saying Wednesday the practice violates its responsibilities as an occupying power.

The declaration adopted by a consensus of 126 of the 196 parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention insists that international humanitarian law must be followed in areas affected by the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Geneva Conventions govern the rules of war and military occupation. Nations that took part in a one-day conference in Geneva "emphasize that all serious violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated and that all those responsible should be brought to justice," according to the 10-point declaration.

Swiss Ambassador Paul Fivat, who chaired the conference, told reporters afterward the declaration is legally binding on all nations that adopted it.

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