SHAH ALAM, July 7 — The Centre for Human Rights Research & Advocacy (CENTHRA) has completed its legislative mission to Lebanon to gather evidence and document victim testimonies on Israel’s war crimes
It said the mission, undertaken from June 28 to July 5, comprised seven lawyers and human rights activists, backed by Cinta Gaza Malaysia and AICT Global.
“The mission aimed to gather and assess evidence, document victim testimonies, and boost strategic partnerships with the international lawyers’ network with the establishment of the End Impunity International Coalition.
“This is a coalition that will drive efforts to place accountability for crimes committed by Israel on civilians in Lebanon through recognised international legal mechanisms,” it said in a statement today.
According to CENTHRA, throughout its mission in Beirut, its delegates held discussions with lawyers from Lebanon, France, Spain and Indonesia to coordinate international litigative strategies.
“Delegates were also given access into Palestinian refugee camps in Sabra, Shatila and Burj al-Barajneh to document Palestinian refugees’ testimonies, which could become part of international legal proceedings,” CENTHRA said.
It added that the Lebanon Health Ministry’s official figures show 4,301 people dead and 12,199 more injured since Israel launched strikes on March 2.
“Based on initial assessment of evidence gathered, CENTHRA has entered the communication preparations phase under Article 15 of the Rome Statute to be submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s office, with Cinta Gaza Malaysia acting as the civil society organisation submitting the complaint,” it said.
“This effort is centred on an uncompromisable principle, which is that serious breaches in international humanitarian laws cannot be left without a free, comprehensive and effective investigation.
“Careful documentation, the preservation of integrity of evidence, and cross-jurisdiction cooperation are important bases to ensure victims have access to justice and the culture of impunity in international crimes can be halted,” CENTHRA said.
The body thus urged the Malaysian government for diplomatic and institutional support for international accountability efforts, including by facilitating legal cooperation measures, the preservation of evidence, and support for civil society initiatives that use international legal channels.
It said the fight for justice isn’t just the responsibility of victims or human rights organisations, but the collective duty of the international community, to defend the sovereignty of law and human dignity.
“CENTHRA is also highly thankful to all victims and witnesses who shared their experiences with courage, to international legal partners who continue to give their commitment, and to Cinta Gaza Malaysia and AICT Global for their support in making this mission a success,” it said.
