University centers and institutes that are members of the “Time for Rights” Network condemn Israel's crimes in Palestine and demand urgent action from the international community.
16 University Centers and Institutes that are members of the “Time of Rights” Network (Huri-Age), the main academic reference on human rights in Spain, have issued a strong statement in response to the grave situation faced by the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip, where war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts amounting to genocide are being committed by the State of Israel.
The statement recalls the international recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, supported by UN resolutions and advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, and denounces the systematic violation of this right by Israel, which maintains the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and pursues settlement policies contrary to International Law.
Furthermore, the statement condemns the terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, carried out by Palestinian armed groups, but stresses that the Israeli military response has been disproportionate and in flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law, involving indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population, blockades, forced displacements, and the destruction of health infrastructure.
The declaration also highlights the particularly critical situation of Palestinian children, whose lives, health, and fundamental rights have been severely violated by Israeli actions, in breach of Israel’s international obligations.
The signatory Centers and Institutes warn that the continuation of these events constitutes a shared responsibility—not only on the part of Israel as the perpetrating State but also on the part of the international community for its inaction in the face of crimes that may amount to genocide, as noted by the International Court of Justice, which has issued provisional measures to prevent such a tragedy.
In light of this situation, they demand:
The immediate and unconditional cessation of violence by the State of Israel.
The immediate release of all hostages by Hamas and armed groups.
That the international community and the European Union take urgent measures to end the occupation, apartheid, and crimes committed in Palestine.
That Spain promote an immediate ceasefire, ensure humanitarian access, and suspend all arms trade with Israel.
That universities, businesses, and operators refrain from collaborating with those who contribute to the violation of rights in Palestine.
The declaration issues an urgent call to the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations in the face of the humanitarian and legal crisis in Palestine.
Signatories:
Gregorio Peces-Barba Human Rights Institute, Carlos III University of Madrid
“Pedro Arrupe” Human Rights Institute, University of Deusto
Human Rights Institute, University of Valencia
Human Rights Institute of Catalonia
Human Rights Observatory, University of Valladolid
Gregorio Peces-Barba Observatory, University of Jaén
Human Rights Effectiveness Research Center, Universitat Jaume I
“Information Society and Human Rights” Laboratory, University of Vigo
Socio-legal Research Observatory on Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, University of La Rioja
“Informatics, Logic and Law” Research Group, University of Seville
“Comparative Constitutional Law” Research Group, University of Cádiz
Legal Philosophy Research Group, University of Cantabria
Legal and Political Philosophy Group, Department of Public Law, Universitat Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona
DECADE Group, University of Alcalá
Social and Welfare Policy Research Group, University of Comillas
Antígona Research Group, Autonomous University of Barcelona
