What I learned about hope at the UN

by Dr. Toni Pyke

Last week I spent a few days in Geneva with members of the SafeBirth4All campaign to raise awareness of the human rights realities for women living with or at risk of Obstetric Fistula, and to lobby for its prevention. During this visit, the Human Rights Council was in session, and we were able to attend some of the hearings. This was my first engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms and the Council. And while some may argue as to the relevance or inefficiency of the system, the very nature of its commitment to the fundamental rights and human dignity of every individual across our planet, is a basis for hope and support. 

For me, this hope was compounded recently, when the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the occupied West Bank facilitated the testimony of Mr Mohamed Matar, a Palestinian survivor of torture under Israeli settlers and security agents (warning – contains graphic details of torture). The hearing was facilitated by Mr Chris Sidoti, a member of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry, who reminded us that survivors are “entitled to have the world hear what has happened to them. To speak directly. They are entitled to have a voice, and they are entitled to be heard”. As anticipated, the response from the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations and other International Organizations was one of denial, finding the testimony “a waste of time”. 

Initially, I had come across a version of the video on Al Jazeera. I promptly went looking elsewhere for this evidence and noticed that any news of the continuing violence being metered against the Palestinian people is hidden at the bottom of pages under ‘the world’ section or non-existent. It’s yesterday’s news, despite the current reality. 

While many of us are distracted by “200% tariffs” on alcohol, or whether or not President Zelensky is wearing a suit on his visit to the ‘Oval Office’, the freedom of the Israeli government, security and settlers in the ongoing massacre of the Palestinian people, continues without impunity. Beyond the imprisonment, torture, evictions, displacements, bombings, murders, humiliations and other violations, the evidence of genocide continues to mount. All the while children, women and men are dying as they wait for the world to respond with mercy, peace and justice. If any of us took the time to explore historical contexts of such events in the history of our planet, we will know that this never ends well. The realisation of our complicity in the organised persecution and ultimate destruction of a people and their land will haunt us all for the rest of our lives, as history will be our judge. The Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu is popularly quoted as saying: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” The famous poem by Pastor Martin Niemöller, First They Came, echoes this position “Then they came for me, And there was no-one left to speak out for me.” I for one do not want to be judged by history or those that come after me as having part in this injustice. Not in my name.  

There are many who feel like I do. Thousands march in cities across the world seeking peace in Palestine and freedom for the Palestinians. Recently a demonstrator climbed Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower carrying a Palestinian flag and remained there for 16 hours before he was removed, in order to bring global attention to the realities on the ground. The work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, is a tireless advocate reporting on the atrocities taking place there and who encourages us to not be afraid to speak out. At the EU level, I watched the commitment of Belgian MEP Marc Boatenga on the issue, chastising Polish Minister Adam Szłapka for laughing during a debate on the humanitarian situation in Gaza at the European Parliament.⁠ 

2025 is a Jubilee Year of Hope. I am hopeful that our collective humanity will rise up to the escalating crises that are unfolding on our fragile earth. As pilgrims on a shared journey, we are tasked to “fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision” (Pope Francis).  

“Sisters, brothers, let us pray for peace. Let us all do our part” (Pope Francis). 

 

“…May your Grace transform us 

Into tireless cultivators 

Of the seeds of the Gospel…”  

(excerpt from the Prayer for Jubilee 2025)