The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, meeting at its 28th Ordinary Session held in Cotonou, Benin, from 26th October to 6th November 2000:
Considering the values and fundamental principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ rights and the commitment to the people of Africa and to the human and people’s rights and freedoms contained in the Declarations, Conventions and other instruments adopted within the framework of the Organisation of African Unity, and the United Nations Organisation;
Noting the status of the Palestine Liberation Organisation within the O.A.U. and the concerns that a prolonged state of conflict and instability in the Middle East will adversely affect a number of States Parties to the Charter;
Noting with deep indignation the excessive and inconsiderate use of military force against civilians which has led since the beginning of the conflict to about 150 deaths, including the death of children, and to more than 3000 wounded;
Bearing in mind the Resolution adopted during the Special Session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission held in Geneva from 17 to 19 October 2000 devoted to the situation of human rights in occupied Palestine;
Calls upon the competent organs of the OAU. to:
1. Condemn strongly the repression and the inconsiderate and disproportionate use of force by the army of Israel in Palestine and in the occupied territories which resulted in many deaths and injuries among the Palestinian civilians, especially children;
2. Support the efforts of the International Community for the creation of an International Commission of Inquiry into the events that occurred in September 2000 and that led to the killings of Palestinian civilians, including children, by the Israel occupation forces.
Done in Cotonou, Benin, 6th November 2000.
