PANAJI
The Goa Coalition for Palestine and Human Rights (GCPHR) marked International Human Rights Day on 10 December, highlighting concerns over human rights violations worldwide, especially in Palestine. The group said this year’s UN theme, “Our Everyday Essentials,” reminds governments that rights to food, safety, dignity, and voice are basic to all people.
The GCPHR said killings in Palestine continue “with impunity” and noted that global civil society has tried to draw attention to the “massive and unthinkable” loss of lives. The group also referred to international cases against Israel at the ICC and ICJ.
Speakers included Palestinian rights activist Randa Siniora and Gazan theologian Yousef El-Khoury, who shared their experiences from the West Bank and Gaza. Participants included students, trade unions, women’s movements, and activists, followed by a cultural presentation and a Q&A session.
Resolutions condemning repression of Palestinians were approved. The coalition also raised concerns about human rights issues in India, including the treatment of migrants, women, minorities, Dalits, and tribal communities. It expressed shock over the recent nightclub fire in Goa that killed 25 people, calling it an act of government negligence.
The GCPHR closed with a call to “say no to oppression and barbarity.” The statement was signed by convenor Christopher Fonseca.
