It is deplorable that the Goldstone report was removed from the agenda of the UN human rights council last week (Palestinians bow to US pressure on Gaza report, 3 October). In effect this means no action will be taken to implement its recommendations this year.
Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights supports the findings of the report and is dismayed at the suggestion that accountability for the victims in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, for violations allegedly committed by Israel, the authorities in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority, could adversely affect the peace process.
Richard Goldstone's words on 29 September cannot be improved on: "This is the time for action. The lack of accountability for war crimes and possible crimes against humanity has reached a crisis point; the ongoing lack of justice is undermining any hope for a successful peace process and reinforcing an environment that fosters violence."
Daniel Machover
Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights
