India is violating its obligations under international law: Francesca Albanese

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, presented her report on “Torture and Genocide” to the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council on 23 March. The findings show that Israel has been using systematic torture since October 2023 against Palestinians in detention centers and in Gaza, which the report calls a “vast torture camp.” It also documents more than 18,500 arrests and more than 4,000 enforced disappearances, including 1,500 children.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset during his state visit to Israel in February and praised India’s cultural, political and military relations with Israel. The visit also brought about the development of relations signed with the “Special Strategic Partnership”. Responding to a question about how she sees India’s legal and moral responsibility by engaging with Israel and its war, Ms. Albanese said India could “face liability” while also “violating its obligations” under international law.