CLEMMONS, NC, December 11, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- We, the International Human Rights Consortium (IHRC), are an organization that connects individuals and organizations with our mission to advance human rights as enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). As such, we have been deeply disturbed by the neglect of internationally agreed upon principles of the UDHR in Gaza which have culminated in a declaration of genocide against Israel by a United Nations (UN) independent commission. We applaud the efforts by global leaders in pursuing a peaceful end to generational hostilities but remain deeply concerned with Israel's ongoing violations of the current ceasefire.

The preamble of the UDHR firmly states that "disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind"; the document was conceived in response to atrocities committed during World War II. The recent increase in long-standing hostilities, Hamas's war crimes on October 7 and the genocide taking place by Israel, have echoed these very atrocities. In Gaza, rights such as: 'life, liberty and security of person'; 'freedom from torture, cruel, and inhuman treatment'; and 'a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family…' have continuously become casualties, as a result of the recent barbarous acts that continue to shock the conscience. These principles have been further threatened by the silencing of those that speak against their infringement, adding freedom of opinion, the foundation of Article 19 of the UDHR, to the list of casualties.

The current ceasefire cannot hold without the application of good faith that is implied in international treaty law, including the application of the relevant Geneva Conventions to Israel's role as an occupying force while the current proposed peace plan moves forward. As a global community we must collectively hold Israel accountable to good faith actions in this role; as an organization with the motto "positive people for positive change", IHRC must be direct in calling for that accountability. This good faith commitment is currently violated by Israel's ongoing bombing of Gaza, intentional blocking of desperately needed aid, and continued occupation of major portions of the Gaza Strip. In line with the October 2025 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), we believe Israel's adherence to its legal obligations, in good faith as the occupying power, serves as the best foundation for a long-lasting peace. This includes the re-establishment of essential United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) aid operations, the pursuit of Palestinian self-determination and full cooperation with the United Nations (UN). We identify these steps as critical for enduring peace in the region.

Across our history, the International Human Rights Consortium has cultivated a vision of what global society will look like "when we get it right". Securing dignity is at the forefront of that vision and our actions. We remain encouraged by the recent agreement to a ceasefire and hostage exchanges as the first steps in the multi-phased peace plan. We continue to stand in solidarity with those suffering most, including Israeli hostages released and the thousands of Palestinian hostages yet to be released, while upholding the UDHR as our long-term guide to justice in a peaceful global society.

In keeping with our founding principles, IHRC is committed to working to advance the proposed peace plan, with a special focus on the outlined interfaith dialogue process and a potential mutually agreed upon political horizon. We believe that the principles of the UDHR may serve as a secure guidepost for bringing about the mutual respect and appreciation required for a truly abiding peace. In the words of our founder, Wilda Spalding, we must "have the courage to go deep enough to find where you breathe the same air and drink the same water…because when you go deep enough, you will find some place that you are not divided. One must find that space, even if it's a small thing…then from there you can build out, sometimes not very far, but you will have already started the process...for solution-creating." This exercise is the essence of "good faith".

There is much work to be done to create a lasting peace, beyond immediate cessation of hostilities and humanitarian assistance, and we at IHRC are committed to being part of that solution.

International Human Rights Consortium is a 501(c)(3) founded in 1992, with a motto of Positive People for Positive Change. Our purpose is to connect individuals and organizations with our mission to advance human rights, and we work globally with passion project partners to advance the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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