JOCOD TO PETITION THE USA ADMINISTRATION TO STOP THE GENOCIDE IN GAZA

PRESS RELEASE

 

The Johannesburg Council for the Disabled, JOCOD, moved by the mass killings of thousands of

civilians in Gaza and the deliberate acts of maiming and disabling vulnerable civilians, will deliver an

urgent appeal to the incoming president of the United States, at the US Consulate in Sandton on

Wednesday 20 November 2024 from 12pm to 2pm.

We call on all South Africans, especially those who serve people with disabilities and the most

vulnerable members of our society, to join us in protesting for an immediate ceasefire and a halt to all

arms supplies to Israel.

At JOCOD, we are deeply disturbed by the reports and testimonies of innocent civilians, including

women and children, who have been grievously injured or disabled by Israeli military actions, including

relentless bombings and deliberate shootings. These actions, which have disproportionately affected

the most vulnerable populations, including children and people with disabilities, represent a clear

violation of human rights and international law. Credible investigations have highlighted a pattern of

systemic and intentional targeting of these vulnerable groups.

In light of these atrocities, we urge the United States to take immediate action and demand that its ally,

Israel, be held accountable for the war crimes that have been perpetrated for over a year. It is essential

that the international community stand up for justice and human dignity, and that all efforts be made to

prevent further harm to the most vulnerable.

Our organisation was left in shock with one case involving a disabled youth. A 24-year-old Palestinian

by the name of Muhammed Bhar who had been diagnosed with Down syndrome was one of the victims

from the disabled community. After the Israeli raid in the Shuja’iyya refugee camp, Israeli forces

released a combat dog on Muhammed while the rest of his family were detained and only left to hear

Muhammed’s screams. Many days later, the family found his decomposing body that had significant

signs of wounding and mauling. The family had no option but to bury Muhammed near their residence. Here are the links from BBC (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9drj14e0lo), Down Syndrome

International (https://ds-int.org/statement-on-the-death-of-muhammed-bhar-in-gaza-july-2024/) and

Middle East Eye (https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-palestinian-down-syndrome-left-die

israeli-soldiers-after-combat-dog-attack), on the killing of Muhammed. This is just one example of the

untold sufferings forced upon the community at large.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, JOCOD is

committed to addressing injustices that affect vulnerable populations. It is with this responsibility in mind

that we must call attention to the grave violations and atrocities being perpetrated against those with

disabilities in conflict zones.

We are deeply concerned by the United States’ role as a staunch supporter of the Israeli state, and its

active involvement in enabling war crimes and human rights violations against these vulnerable

communities. It is both legally and morally indefensible that these abuses continue to occur under the

oversight of the United States, especially in light of widespread condemnation by the international

community, including UN member nations.

The United States must no longer shield Israel from accountability, as doing so sets a dangerous

precedent that suggests some nations can evade justice simply due to their political alliances. We

strongly urge an immediate cessation of both military and diplomatic support that enables such

violations to persist.

At JOCOD, we stand unwavering in our commitment to human rights and the protection of the most

vulnerable members of society. It is with this principle in mind that we demand immediate corrective

action in response to the ongoing violations committed by Israel, an ally of the United States. These

actions have resulted in a clear and unacceptable transgression of fundamental human rights, and it is

imperative that the United States take decisive steps to end its complicity in this crisis.

The suffering of the civilian population, particularly people with disabilities in Gaza, has long exceeded

any threshold of tolerance. The United States must cease its support and involvement in this genocide,

or risk further eroding its credibility and dignity on the international stage. We demand an immediate

cessation of military aid, a halt to arms supplies, and a call for accountability to put an end to these

atrocities. The time for action is now.

Our Demands

We call on the United States through its Consulate to:

⚫ Unequivocally condemn the Israeli states deliberate actions against the civilian population and

people with disabilities in Gaza.

⚫ Pressure the Israeli state to immediately lift the blockade on Gaza so that vital sources of life such

as food and medication as well as critical services are delivered to the Palestinians.

⚫ Work in conjunction with the UN and other organisations to effectively address the safety measures

for the civilians and people with disabilities.

⚫ To, with immediate effect, stop all forms of aid to the Israeli state so that no further military activities

take place on an already devastated population. We demand that the United States take these measures to ensure the protection of the Palestinians

and work towards a solution to end Israeli atrocities permanently. There must be justice and dignity for

every human being, to ensure a lasting peace.

Sincerely,

Johannesburg Council for the Disabled

For Immediate Release

For more details contact: Email: info@jocod.org.za – Call: 0118522144 or 0829258481

Ps. We also extend an appeal to the medical professionals, academics and journalist to join our protest

as these are also groups have been selectively targeted for their service to humanity.

This is an initiative by people with disabilities and vulnerable communities and supported by :

HCP4P, The Anti-Apartheid Movement for Palestine – South African Chapter, MC Kharbhai School,

JISWA School, TIBA Services for the Blind, NISHTARA Drug and Alcohol Centre, MRN, Salaam

Foundation, PSA, Salaamedia.