In an unprecedented move, Craig Mokhiber, the director of the UN’s human rights office (OHCHR) in New York, announced his resignation. His departure stems from what he perceives as the organization’s inability to address the Israel-Palestine crisis adequately.
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Resignation Rooted in Geopolitical Concerns: Mokhiber’s resignation letter, addressed to UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Volker Turk, is a scathing critique of the UN’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He accuses the organization of capitulating to the power of the United States and succumbing to the influence of the Israeli lobby. He claims that the situation in Palestine represents a “genocide unfolding before our eyes,” with the UN appearing powerless to intervene.
The Allegation of Genocide: Mokhiber does not shy away from using the term “genocide” to describe the ongoing actions in the Gaza Strip. He acknowledges that the term has been subject to political misuse but asserts that the current situation leaves no room for doubt. According to him, the “European, ethno-nationalist, settler colonial project in Palestine” is in its final phase, leading to the destruction of indigenous Palestinian life.
International Complicity and Media Influence: The official extends his criticism beyond the UN, accusing the governments of the US, the UK, and much of Europe of complicity through their support of Israel. He claims this support manifests in arms provision, economic aid, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic backing. Additionally, Mokhiber points a finger at Western media, accusing it of dehumanizing Palestinians and broadcasting propaganda that fuels national, racial, or religious hatred.
Loss of UN’s Global Credibility: Reflecting on the UN’s past, Mokhiber suggests that the organization once held principles and authority, drawing parallels to its stance during apartheid in South Africa. However, he believes the UN has lost credibility due to its repeated failure to prevent genocides, citing examples like Rwanda, Bosnia, the Yazidis by the Islamic State, and the Rohingya in Myanmar.
A Call for Radical Change: In his concluding remarks, Mokhiber urges the UN to learn from global protests against the genocide and to abandon the “illusory two-state solution.” He advocates for the creation of a “single, democratic, secular state in all of historic Palestine,” which he argues would entail the dismantling of Israel, described by him as a “deeply racist, settler-colonial project.”
Conclusion: Craig Mokhiber’s resignation from the OHCHR reflects deep-seated frustrations and complex geopolitical dynamics. His allegations and proposals present a challenging narrative that is likely to spark intense debates within the international community.
Author’s Note:
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Craig Mokhiber’s resignation and the underlying issues. The opinions and statements in the article are based on Mokhiber’s perspectives and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or this publication.
