HIMAM forum highlights international double standards on human rights, focuses on Gaza’s ongoing crisis

AMMAN — The 2024 annual forum of the coalition of Jordanian civil society organisations, HIMAM, concluded on Tuesday, calling for the rejection of donor-imposed conditions that undermine core values, particularly those related to defending Palestinian rights.

The forum, which brought together local and international human rights experts as well as representatives from Jordanian civil society organisations and international bodies, provided a platform for robust discussions on human rights challenges.

It also featured three key sessions covering 16 topics, with a central focus on the human rights challenges exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza.

HIMAM coordinator Hadeel Abdel Aziz presented a position paper calling for the protection of civil society’s independence against potential political pressures.

Abdel Aziz questioned the effectiveness of current international mechanisms, considering whether the issue lies in the tools available and whether they should be abandoned or reformed.

Despite the challenging circumstances, she stressed that HIMAM remains determined and refuses to give in to a sense of helplessness.

The first session focused on the importance of leveraging international law to address human rights violations.

During the session, Director of the Al Quds Centre for Political Studies Oraib Rantawi highlighted the stark double standards in the international community’s response, drawing comparisons between the international outrage over Ukraine and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Marwan Mashar, former foreign minister and vice president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, highlighted the selective application of international law over the past century, especially concerning Palestine.

He also stressed the need for “endurance and persistence” in holding Israel accountable.

The second session examined the lack of legal accountability for violations and the role of international bodies in addressing these crimes.

The final session addressed the challenges faced by civil society in conflict zones across Palestine and the broader Middle East.

Director of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza Amjad Shawa praised the resilience of local organisations in providing aid and supporting displaced communities.

Director of the Arab NGO Network for Development Ziad Abdel Samad discussed the challenges facing civil society organisations, including global human rights regression, donor-imposed conditions, and declining independence.