On 25 October 2024, Caritas Internationalis, together with over 150 NGOs, issued a call to UN member states, demanding an end to the violence impacting civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. In a joint statement, the coalition expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence and the tragic humanitarian crisis that has unfolded.

The statement, addressed to governments worldwide, underscored the urgent need to prevent further harm to innocent lives, stressing that this is not merely a moral obligation but a legal one as well.

”Governments must do everything in their power to end this growing catastrophe and cycle of impunity,” reads the statement, released today by the coalition. ”It is not only a moral imperative but a legal obligation. All Member States must prevent further atrocities and ensure that those responsible for any violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, are held accountable. Failure to act now risks further eroding international norms and emboldening perpetrators. The cycle of violence against civilians needs to stop.” 

The release coincides with an international conference hosted in Paris by the French government, which gathers representatives from Lebanon’s partner nations, the United Nations, the European Union, and a range of international, regional, and civil-society organizations to address Lebanon’s multi-faceted crisis.

Caritas Internationalis joins in urging collective action to uphold human dignity, ensure peace, and protect vulnerable communities.

”Failure to act now is a choice,” the statement reads, ”a choice that will fail to stop and prevent future atrocities.”