Work of human rights activists honoured at Dublin Castle

THE IRISH head of the UN's relief agency in Gaza has backed calls for an independent investigation into Israeli attacks on UN premises and staff in the enclave, following a UN report this week.

John Ging, director of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, said the situation in the territory had worsened in recent months, with people subsisting on basic food and medicine, with little or no reconstruction beginning.

"We have been saying consistently, during and since the conflict, that there needs to be objective investigations and then there needs to be accountability for the actions that were taken. That's the basis of rule of law," he said.

"If you suffer an injustice then you turn to the law for remedy. The people of Gaza and the civilian population of Israel have paid a very high price, and they want accountability and must get accountability under the law. Again, all these investigations will help to establish what is fact and what is rhetoric. And hopefully then, leading from that, there will be accountability for any violations that have taken place."

Mr Ging was speaking at a ceremony in Dublin Castle yesterday morning to honour human rights defenders.

The event was attended by actor and human rights activist Martin Sheen.

"That is a very critical area where we need to encourage truth to speak to power, because unfortunately any criticism of Israeli policy is considered anti-Semitic, which is foolish - it's not the case at all," said Sheen.

"On the contrary, I believe in the old Hebrew adage: choose your enemy well for he is what you will become.

"I think that the Israelis have to face up to the fact that they are not serving their own people well by serving the Palestinians so poorly."

Mr Ging received an exceptional award from the organisation Frontline in recognition of his work in Gaza.

The main honour went to Guatemalan activist Dr Yuri Giovanni Melini, director of Calas (Centre for Environmental Law and Social Action).

The group last year won a case in Guatemala's constitutional court to change laws that permitted open-cast mining for gold and other metals.

Dr Melini has led a campaign against the water contamination and the occupation of land in nature reserves. In September last year, he was shot seven times in an assassination attempt. The attack has been linked to his campaigning.

"I am deeply emotional and very thankful to Frontline, and I am very thankful for the welcome and embrace of the island of Ireland," he said.

"Eight months after the attack, this means a lot to me because it keeps me going and gives me loads of support."

The award includes a €10,000 donation to Dr Melini's work, and a €5,000 personal honorarium.

The award was presented by Sheen, who described Dr Melini as "one of the great heroes of the human rights movement".

"He is the reason why there is a Frontline," Sheen said.

"He did not have any money for the operation and for the immediate care.

"Frontline funded it . . . and shone a light on him while he was recovering . . . That alone is extraordinary."

Dr Melini said the attack had not discouraged him. "I never lose faith," he said.

"The attempt on my life had the opposite effect - it is like you are not cutting the tree, you are cutting the branches, so it will grow up again."