Europe’s Inaction on Human Rights Abuses in the Middle East: Breaking the Stalemate through a Common Foreign Policy

The United Nations General Assembly has recently voted to enhance Palestinian statehood, marking a global shift towards supporting the Palestinian cause. This move comes at a time when there is a growing recognition of the need to address human rights abuses and atrocities in the region. The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are actively investigating cases of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, while the European Union, as a major power in the region, seems to be lagging behind in taking a strong stance on these issues.

The lack of a unified EU foreign policy that condemns human suffering is concerning, but it also presents an opportunity to start building one based on fundamental values such as respect for human dignity and international law. While developing a comprehensive foreign policy will take time, there are already existing guidelines in EU Treaties that can be used as a starting point. By emphasizing humanity as a common denominator, the EU can begin to rebuild its credibility and political influence on the world stage.

A critical step in this process is to hold Israel’s government accountable for its actions. The International Criminal Court has raised concerns about Israel’s conduct possibly amounting to crimes against humanity, highlighting the need for a firm response. By standing up against injustice and advocating for peace, the EU can assert its autonomy and work towards resolving conflicts in the region.

A common foreign policy that upholds core values and international laws could help break the current stalemate and pave the way for meaningful progress towards peace and stability. As such, it is important for Europe to take action now and develop a united front against human rights abuses and atrocities in the region. Only then can we hope to see lasting peace and stability in this troubled part of the world.