On the 53rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression in Palestine extends its sincere appreciation and pride for successive generations of struggling activists. Each has commendably defended Palestinian human rights and freedom and many have paid a heavy price with their lives and freedom, comfort and safety in striving to consecrate and disseminate the principles of human rights culture, highlighting the violations and abuses that have affected millions of Palestinians over the years of struggle against occupation.

On this occasion, the Coalition for Freedom of Expression renews its commitment to the defense of the principles within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, most notably as stipulated in Article 19, which states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. Additionally, it emphasizes the highlighting of violations and abuses that have affected millions of Palestinians over the years of struggle against occupation.

Also the Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression offers its greetings to and reverence for the memory of those who have paid with their lives through advancing their principles, particularly martyrs of the Palestinian press; twenty three Palestinian journalists and media workers have lost their lives at the hands of the occupation forces since the turn of the third millennium. Most recently, colleagues Mahmoud Alkomi, Hussam Salameh and Mohmmad Abu Esheh killed during the latest Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

The past year has witnessed yet further crimes and violations against journalists, most notably the repeated Israeli aggression against journalists throughout the performance of their professional duty. Such attacks reached their peak during the recent aggression in Gaza where Israeli forces deliberately targeted the headquarters and offices of media outlets, an assault which ultimately caused the martyrdom of three colleagues. It is constantly demonstrated that Israeli violations prove the most serious threat to the lives of Palestinian journalists. 

Unfortunately, continued violations by Palestinian actors occur both in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Dozens of arrests, detentions, calls, threats and instances of physical abuse are recorded, as are persecutions based on opinions published. Such abuses are persistently repeated by the official institutions despite assurances at the highest levels, especially by President Mahmoud Abbas, of protection of freedom of expression. 

Our commemoration of this years’ anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights coincides with the celebration of the Palestinian people, their popular and official institutions, the acceptance of Palestine as an observer state at the United Nations and the positive atmosphere that heralded the completion of national conciliation.

We take this opportunity to renew calls for the enactment of a law that guarantees the right of access to information, which we support its campaign. The Palestinian people, who have struggled throughout the decades, look forward to a modern democratic state committed to international charters, treaties and international standers where human rights and dignity for all are respected.

May the year ahead be dedicated to human rights conservation and uniting all forces of civil society in defense of Palestinian human rights

Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression

10/12/12