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Rights & Democracy condemns the targeting of civilians in the recent conflict in the Middle East


MONTREAL – July 18, 2006 – Rights & Democracy strongly condemns the targeting of civilians in the recent escalation in hostilities in Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories. Such attacks on the innocent, be they targeted or indiscriminate, are a clear violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, including the Geneva Conventions.

All sides must respect the rights of non-combatants that are assured under these laws. All combatants and the international community, including Canada, must also ensure that violations of these laws are not tolerated and that all efforts are made to restore peace and security to the region. Rights & Democracy is deeply concerned about the impact of these events on the overall human rights situation and the peace process in the Middle East.
Rights & Democracy is a non-partisan, independent Canadian institution created by an Act of Parliament in 1988 to promote, advocate and defend the democratic and human rights set out in the International Bill of Human Rights. In cooperation with civil society and governments in Canada and abroad, Rights & Democracy initiates and supports programmes to strengthen laws and democratic institutions, principally in developing countries.

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Please contact Steve Smith (ext 255) or Louis Moubarak (ext 261) at Rights & Democracy, 514-283-6073.