Latest news with #Article2
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Human rights organisations call on EU to suspend Israel trade
Over 100 international human rights and humanitarian organisations, as well as trade unions, have jointly called on the EU to suspend elements of its trade association with Israel as a result of its continuing war on Gaza. The signatories of the joint statement - published by Human Rights Watch (HRW) - include ActionAid Ireland, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Oxfam Ireland. The EU is currently reviewing Israel's compliance with the EU-Israel Association Agreement, in particular Article 2, which binds both sides to human rights and international humanitarian law obligations. EU foreign ministers are expected to address the review at a meeting in Brussels on Monday, although it is unclear yet if member states will agree to suspend elements of the trade agreement. The statement, signed by 113 organisations, called on the EU to "ensure that the ongoing review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement be thorough, comprehensive, and credible. "Article 2 establishes that respect for human rights and democratic principles constitutes an 'essential element' of the agreement. "Amid overwhelming evidence of Israel's atrocity crimes and other egregious human rights abuses against Palestinians throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), a credible review can only reach one conclusion: that Israel is in severe non-compliance with Article 2." The statement calls on the European Commission and all member states to support "meaningful and concrete measures, including the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, at least in part." 'Appalled' The signatories say they are "appalled" that it took the EU so long to launch the review, despite an initial request by Spain and Ireland in February 2024. A review was finally ordered by the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas last month after a majority of EU foreign ministers supported a Dutch proposal to test whether Israel was not complying with Article 2. The statement pointed to international court rulings, arrest warrants issued by International Criminal Court, and numerous reports by UN bodies, independent experts, prominent NGOs and scholars which "[exposed] Israel's very serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law throughout the Occupied Territories, including war crimes, crimes against humanity - including forced displacement, apartheid and extermination - and genocide." South Africa has taken a case to the International Court of Justice alleging that Israel is responsible for genocide in the conduct of its war in Gaza. The case is ongoing. The joint statement says that despite similar findings being presented to EU foreign ministers in November 2024, the only action taken was a convening of the EU-Israel Association Council in February. Despite ministers at that meeting calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid at scale, full respect for international humanitarian law and a halting of Israel's illegal settlement policy, "Israeli authorities blatantly did the exact opposite of all that, [with] once again to no consequence for EU-Israel bilateral relations – until now." The statement adds that there were three separate binding rulings issued by the ICJ following Israel's decision to blockade humanitarian aid from entering Gaza which called on the government to allow the unhindered access of aid. "As parties to the Genocide Convention, all EU member states have the obligation to 'employ all means reasonably available to them' to prevent a genocide," the statement said. "That obligation arises not when a definitive judicial determination is made, but as soon as a state learns, or should normally have learned, of a serious risk that genocide may be committed."
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Coroner to examine emergency service policies
A coroner is to consider the policies of emergency services as part of an inquest into the death of a 39 year-old man. Paramedic John Sutherland and technician Tom Le Sauteur were found guilty of failing to take reasonable care of Frazer Irvine, whose March 2022 death is the subject of an inquest due to start on Tuesday. Speaking at a pre-inquest hearing on Monday, Bridget Dolan KC said the inquiry would look at the broad context and systems in which the police officers and ambulance staff present at Mr Irvine's death were operating. She made it clear the inquest would be "a wholly separate process to the criminal trial". Ms Dolan said it was going to be an Article 2 inquest - a broader type of hearing where there is potential an official or state body is in part responsible for the death. She said the hearing would not challenge the trial's findings but it would address relevant matters that weren't dealt with in the criminal process, or weren't dealt with in sufficient depth. She said the trial never focused on what caused Mr Irvine's death so that would be for the inquest to determine, adding it was unusual for an inquest to happen after criminal proceedings. In setting out the scope of the inquest, Ms Dolan said she would consider whether there were any shortcomings in ambulance and police policies, guidance and procedures that were relevant to Mr Irvine's death. ambulance service to have an external investigation completed. Ms Dolan reassured Mr Irvine's parents, who were present at the hearing, their interests were integral to the process, acknowledging it had been "a long road" for them. The inquest will hear evidence from Mr Sutherland and Mr Le Sauteur, as well as from two police officers present at Mr Irvine's death. It is expected to conclude on Friday. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Ambulance staff trial added to grief, says friend Ambulance workers' verdict of neglect upheld Conditional discharge for 999 workers after death Jersey Courts - Inquest hearings
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Netanyahu faces mounting international doubts over Gaza war
Netanyahu faces mounting international doubts over Gaza war (Photo: PTI) After more than 18 months of war in Gaza, international patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be wearing thin. Most notably, close allies like Germany and the United States have seen a shift in rhetoric that challenges Israel's long-standing diplomatic insulation. Growing unease in Germany German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced rare and pointed criticism of Israel's strategy in Gaza. At the conference "re:publica" in Berlin on Monday, Merz stated that the suffering of civilians "can no longer be justified" as part of Israel's fight against Hamas. He emphasized Germany's unique responsibility towards Israel but added: "But when limits are crossed and humanitarian international law is clearly violated, then Germany — and the German Chancellor — must speak out." He added that Israel must not act in ways that could alienate even its closest allies. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday also described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "unbearable" and called for a more effective aid delivery. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing Germany's commitment to Israel with the values of human dignity and international law. In 2023, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth €326.5 million ($363.5 million), including military equipment and war weapons, a 10-fold increase from 2022. In 2024, it was at €161.1 million ($182.8 million). Pressure from the US Criticism from the United States, Israel's closest ally, is also mounting. In a departure from his previous support, President Donald Trump told reporters in New Jersey: "Israel, we've been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible." While largely symbolic, these comments mark a shift, said Elena Aoun, professor of international relations at UCLouvain to DW. "Donald Trump is not as happy with Netanyahu as he was at the start of his mandate. There is definitely more tension." Nevertheless, Aoun underlines that despite rhetoric changes, US military and financial support to Israel remains uninterrupted. EU cautious, but cracks appear in bloc The European Union has also taken tentative steps towards reevaluating its relationship with Israel. Last week, foreign ministers announced a review of the EU-Israel association agreement, which governs trade and political ties. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the current level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza as "a drop in the ocean." However, as Aoun remarks: "It's a change of words, not yet of actions. Reviewing the trade agreement is only the beginning. The EU must still decide if Israel is breaching Article 2." This article ties the trade between the bloc and Israel to human rights obligations. A total of 17 out of the EU's 27 members backed the review. Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic were among those who opposed the move, with Israel thanking them publicly. In an interview with DW, Amélie Férey from the Researcher at Security Center of Ifri in Paris underlined that Europe's leverage on the conflict remains limited: "The US are the main weapon and finacial suppliers, therefore their support, or the lack of it, make the biggest difference." The ICC warrant Next to international leaders' criticism, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant last November. Symbolically, the move is significant, but in terms of a real change, it remains limited, says Aoun. "Germany, Hungary, France and Belgium have all indicated they won't enforce the warrants. This shows a weakening of the international justice mechanisms." Férey disagrees. She emphasized that the arrest warrant restricts the freedom of movement of Netanyahu and his senior officials, making them fearful of arrest should they travel to a country that might enforce the warrant. The move marks the first time the ICC has targeted the sitting leader of a democratic country with such charges over a live conflict. Netanyahu rejected the accusations, calling them "disgraceful" and insisting that Israel is acting in self-defense. Internal pressure In the meantime, Israel's military campaign in Gaza continues. The Israeli army claims it now controls roughly 40% of the territory, and plans to capture 75% within the next two months. Despite allowing limited aid through after an eleven-week blockage, the humanitarian situation remains dire, say aid agencies like the International Red Cross. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, around 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and around 122,000 injured. The Israeli government has faced criticism not only over Gaza, but also over its policies in the West Bank. The UK has sanctioned far-right Israeli extremists pushing illegal settlement expansion, a notable escalation of British policy. Inside Israel, public opposition is growing, too. Demonstrations by hostage families and civil society groups continue. But researcher Elena Aoun points out that the majority of the public still backs the war: "Polls show that a bit over 50% support ongoing operations." Strategic goals in question Prime Minister Netanyahu insists the military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas. But analysts like Aoun remain skeptical: "The war has been going on for two years. What's new is the international perception, especially around the Palestinian suffering. Still, none of Israel's strategic goals have been clearly achieved." Here, too, researcher Amélie Férey has a different opinion: "If the aim was destroying the military threat Hamas posed to the [Israeli army] IDS, then this aim has been achieved." However, she agrees that political questions and long-lasting peace objectives remain more complicated to attain. European credibility on the line As for Amelie Ferey, European credibility is tested over Gaza, as it appears to apply a double standard when it comes to Israel: "The European Union upholds the principle of self-determination in the case of Ukraine, yet appears reluctant to apply the same standard to Palestinians in Gaza." She welcomes the plan to review the EU-Israel association agreement as a first big step in the right direction but underlines that Europe now needs a clear road map towards a two-statesolution. Both researchers agree that the next weeks will be decisive. Netanyahu seems defiant, even as his allies waver. But the critics are far from united. While symbolic gestures multiply, the question remains whether they will be followed by the kind of international pressure that might compel real policy change on the ground.
South Wales Argus
21-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Legacy body ‘lacks powers of a public inquiry to examine Sean Brown murder'
The Irish Government is among those who have backed Mr Brown's family's long campaign for a public inquiry. Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal in Belfast affirmed a previous court ruling, compelling the UK government to hold a public inquiry into his killing. However, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has applied for a Supreme Court appeal on the judicial rulings. Bridie Brown, the widow of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, holds a picture of him, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (PA) Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Londonderry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997. No-one has ever been convicted of his killing. Preliminary inquest proceedings last year heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. It was also alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning. In an interview earlier, Mr Brown's elderly widow Bridie, 87, said she does not know why her husband was killed, and reiterated her call for a public inquiry into his death to answer the questions her family has. 'I don't know why they chose Sean, I just do not know because he was the same with everybody,' she said during an interview on BBC's The GAA Social podcast. 'He treated everybody alike, he walked with both sides of the community.' She also paid tribute to the turnout of thousands in Bellaghy last Friday evening to support her family's campaign for a public inquiry. People in the town of Bellaghy, Co Londonderry, which came to a standstill on Friday night as they took part in a march in support of the family of Sean Brown (PA) 'It was emotional,' she said. 'Never in my wildest dreams had I thought about so big a turnout.' Last month, Mr Benn said he is taking steps to ensure that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is capable of carrying out an independent and rigorous investigation into Mr Brown's murder. During an appearance at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, ICRIR chief commissioner Sir Declan Morgan was pressed by SDLP leader Claire Hanna on the Brown case. Sir Declan said if the case came to the ICRIR, his investigators would carry out a cold case review, a scoping exercise and would treat the case as a criminal investigation and gather all the evidence. 'But I agree that we could not do the next step which is subsequent to that, once the terms of reference have been set, and up to that point, we're definitely Article 2 compliant,' he told MPs at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. 'But the next bit is having identified what the issues are to then organise a hearing with proper representation by lawyers in relation to that, and also understanding that the sensitive information arrangements, in my view, need to be reviewed and the commission needs to be able to exercise proper challenge in relation to those.' Claire Hanna has supported the Brown family (MP) Speaking outside the meeting, Ms Hanna said the ICRIR in its current form 'cannot fully meet the needs of the family of Sean Brown'. 'Today's comments from Sir Declan Morgan are welcome and shine a light on where the ICRIR falls short,' she said. 'Any further delay to the resuming and restarting of inquests alongside the continued denial of a public inquiry to the Brown family is the British Government delaying truth and justice. 'The SDLP is committed to the delivery of legacy structures that families can buy into. Sir Declan's comments underline our key concerns about deficiencies relating to participation by families in proceedings and the continued existence of a veto on information by the Secretary of State.'
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Legacy body ‘lacks powers of a public inquiry to examine Sean Brown murder'
The Irish Government is among those who have backed Mr Brown's family's long campaign for a public inquiry. Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal in Belfast affirmed a previous court ruling, compelling the UK government to hold a public inquiry into his killing. However, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has applied for a Supreme Court appeal on the judicial rulings. Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Londonderry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997. No-one has ever been convicted of his killing. Preliminary inquest proceedings last year heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. It was also alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning. In an interview earlier, Mr Brown's elderly widow Bridie, 87, said she does not know why her husband was killed, and reiterated her call for a public inquiry into his death to answer the questions her family has. 'I don't know why they chose Sean, I just do not know because he was the same with everybody,' she said during an interview on BBC's The GAA Social podcast. 'He treated everybody alike, he walked with both sides of the community.' She also paid tribute to the turnout of thousands in Bellaghy last Friday evening to support her family's campaign for a public inquiry. 'It was emotional,' she said. 'Never in my wildest dreams had I thought about so big a turnout.' Last month, Mr Benn said he is taking steps to ensure that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is capable of carrying out an independent and rigorous investigation into Mr Brown's murder. During an appearance at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, ICRIR chief commissioner Sir Declan Morgan was pressed by SDLP leader Claire Hanna on the Brown case. Sir Declan said if the case came to the ICRIR, his investigators would carry out a cold case review, a scoping exercise and would treat the case as a criminal investigation and gather all the evidence. 'But I agree that we could not do the next step which is subsequent to that, once the terms of reference have been set, and up to that point, we're definitely Article 2 compliant,' he told MPs at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. 'But the next bit is having identified what the issues are to then organise a hearing with proper representation by lawyers in relation to that, and also understanding that the sensitive information arrangements, in my view, need to be reviewed and the commission needs to be able to exercise proper challenge in relation to those.' Speaking outside the meeting, Ms Hanna said the ICRIR in its current form 'cannot fully meet the needs of the family of Sean Brown'. 'Today's comments from Sir Declan Morgan are welcome and shine a light on where the ICRIR falls short,' she said. 'Any further delay to the resuming and restarting of inquests alongside the continued denial of a public inquiry to the Brown family is the British Government delaying truth and justice. 'The SDLP is committed to the delivery of legacy structures that families can buy into. Sir Declan's comments underline our key concerns about deficiencies relating to participation by families in proceedings and the continued existence of a veto on information by the Secretary of State.'
