The President of the Basque Country defends the need for Euskadi to be "always with the victims, with all the victims" and highlights the value of UNRWA, which has been "unjustly delegitimised and criminalised".

• Imanol Pradales will be attending the presentation of the René Cassin Award to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, together with the Councillor for Justice and Human Rights, María Jesús San José.

• San José condemned the violence inflicted upon the Palestinian population and cautioned that the perpetuation of such injustices could potentially give rise to new instances of hatred and persecution.

The President today called for continued support for victims of violence worldwide, regardless of “who is responsible for the attack.” Imanol Pradales made an appeal during the award ceremony of the René Cassin Prize, which was received by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) together with Councillor for Justice, María Jesús San José.

At the event held in the Yimby Ercilla hall in Bilbao, Imanol Pradales highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed 76 years ago. He emphasised the continued need to advocate for the principles of democracy, peace, freedom, security and social justice.

In this regard, the Middle East serves as a cautionary tale for the president, illustrating the consequences of the imposition of extremism, fanaticism, and radicalisation. Pradales reaffirmed the Basque Government's unequivocal condemnation of the attacks on defenceless civilian populations, “regardless of their origin.” He also reiterated the “Government's commitment to supporting victims and survivors. Deepest sympathies are extended to all victims. Those who instigate such actions. The Israeli government or Hamas.” “It is not acceptable to justify the use of force or the development of a preventive strategy that results in massacres and killings. Furthermore, there is no justification for murder, kidnapping, torture or the use of hostages as bargaining chips," he stated.

The President commended the efforts of the United Nations Organization and UNRWA in promoting human rights. He highlighted that the organisation has been the subject of “unfair delegitimisation and criminalisation at an international level.” The President concluded by expressing gratitude for UNRWA's efforts, which he said “bring light into the darkness, stand up for human rights and dignity, save lives, and support those who have lost everything. Eskerrik asko[1] for your work”

Basque Society Committed to Solidarity

The Basque Councillor for Justice and Human Rights, María Jesús San José, called for a zero-tolerance approach to human rights violations in the Basque Country, both within and outside the country. She urged Basque society to be vigilant in monitoring and reporting any such violations.

San José also took a moment to condemn the violence inflicted upon the Palestinian population and cautioned that the perpetuation of such injustices could potentially give rise to new instances of hatred and persecution. This warning was accompanied by recognition of the “exceptional” work carried out by UNRWA.

In this context, he announced the launch of a new campaign aimed at Basque youth, scheduled for tomorrow, 10 December, coinciding with the celebration of International Human Rights Day. The objective of this initiative is to instil in new generations an appreciation for the values of plurality, democracy and coexistence. It also seeks to emphasise that “rights are not inherited, but rather are achieved through ongoing efforts.”

[1] Thank you very much in Basque