GENEVA – Members of the Philippine UPR Watch delegation coming from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) strongly condemned the recent escalation of violence and destruction in the Middle East triggered by the attacks of the United States and Israel on Iran.
Bishop Joseph Agpaoa, acting general secretary of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and NCCP Vice Chairperson, said that the coordinated attacks of the US and Israel “violate established international law which is grounded in values of respect and justice.” Agpaoa said that “the escalation of violence and retaliatory attacks will harm civilians, destroy crucial infrastructure and cause humanitarian catastrophes.”
Mervin Toquero, NCCP deputy general secretary said that, “Israel’s US-backed aggression is expanding from its genocidal war against the Palestinian people to its neighbors.” “This situation requires urgent action, and it is high time for the international community to condemn Israel, impose sanctions and hold them accountable for their violations of International Humanitarian Law”, Toquero said.
The NCCP leaders appealed to governments including the Philippines, to “strongly call for an immediate ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis caused by this conflict through various United Nations’ mechanisms.” “We call on authorities to facilitate the efforts of humanitarian workers, ensuring their safety and protection to carry out their tasks,” Toquero stated.
Bishop Agpaoa called on “faith communities worldwide to stand united against the escalation of violence, and call on all nations to utilize their influence to halt this conflict immediately.” He also called on the Philippine government “to exert all efforts necessary to assist all Filipinos caught in the middle of this conflict.” “May all of us be reminded and sing the song of the psalmist to turn away from evil, do good, seek peace, and pursue it,” Agpaoa concluded.
Agpaoa and Toquero are in Geneva, Switzerland for the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.