India Abstains From UN Human Rights Council Resolution On Gaza Ceasefire

India's move to abstain from the vote aligned it with other countries, like France, Japan, Netherlands, and Romania.

The UN Security Council holds an emergency meeting on the risk of famine and attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York on April 5.

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India on Friday opted to abstain from voting on a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also urged to lift Israel's blockade on the strip. The resolution, titled "Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice," was passed by the Geneva-based Council with 28 in favour, 6 against, and 13 abstentions.

India's move to abstain from the vote aligned it with other countries, like France, Japan, Netherlands, and Romania. Argentina, Bulgaria, and Germany were some of the countries that voted against the resolution. 

UN Rights Body Adopts Resolution

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted the resolution that urged Israel to be held accountable for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Notably, Israel has rejected the resolution, labelling it a "distorted text". Click here to read the full report. 

It is to be noted that the resolution called for an end to the occupation of Israel on Palestinian territory since 1967. The resolution focussed on the adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws. The resolution further demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, better access to humanitarian access aid, and the lifting of the Gaza blockade.

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The resolution focused on "the need to ensure accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law to end impunity".

In addition, the resolution condemned actions amounting to ethnic cleansing and urged states to prevent the forcible transfer of Palestinians. It further condemned the targeting of civilians. The resolution referenced a specific terror attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, demanding the release of hostages following international law.

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