Toronto, ON, February 22, 2024 – Earlier this week, UN experts called for an investigation into allegations of “egregious human rights violations” against Palestinian women and girls in Gaza and the West Bank.

The reports, which the UN describes as credible, include extrajudicial killings, rape, sexual violence and arbitrary detention by Israeli military forces. Detailed in a statement released by the UN experts, these allegations are deeply distressing. Plan International fully supports calls from the UN and peer humanitarian organizations for a credible and independent investigation.

We stand against any use of sexual and gender-based violence

Plan International is also horrified by reports that sexual and gender-based violence was used by Palestinian armed groups in Israel on October 7. These shocking allegations must too be investigated and we support UN Women’s calls for an independent investigation into any sexual and gender-based violence. We support the UN Commission of Inquiry on the oPt, which has opened a call for submissions on gender-based crimes in the oPt and Israel.

Plan International continues to call for an immediate, permanent and complete ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all civilian hostages.

As a humanitarian organization advocating for children’s rights and gender equality around the world, Plan International’s position in any conflict is that all parties must adhere to International Humanitarian Law, including protecting girls and women from sexual violence. Rape and sexual assault are war crimes and a breach of International Humanitarian Law that can never be justified.

We also call for support and justice mechanisms for all victims and survivors. Plan International continues to call for an immediate, permanent and complete ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all civilian hostages.

There must be security assurances and unimpeded access for humanitarian workers and relief supplies, to start to bring the unspeakable suffering that has engulfed Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel since October 7 to an end.