UN commission on 2014 Gaza conflict delays report until June

USPA News - An independent United Nations (UN) inquiry to investigate reported violations of international humanitarian law during last year’s conflict in Gaza said on Monday that it needs to delay its report from March until June to better assess newly-received information. "The Commissioners have indicated their desire for more time in order to assess the information that they have collected - much of which has only been received in recent weeks,” the commission said in a statement. "These are complex issues - weighing the facts and considering the legal questions that arise is something that should not be rushed under any circumstances.” Ambassador Joachim Ruecker, President of the UN Human Rights Council, expressed his support for the request.

"I support the request for additional time vis-à -vis the Human Rights Council, in order to allow them to finalize a comprehensive report as mandated,” he said. A statement issued by the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict is copied below, followed by a statement of UN Human Rights Council President Joachim Ruecker. STARTS United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict MEDIA ADVISORY Geneva (9th March 2015): The Commissioners handed over a letter today to the President of the Human Rights Council requesting a deferral until June 2015 of their report. The report was due to be presented to the Council on 23rd March 2015. The Commissioners have indicated their desire for more time in order to assess the information that they have collected - much of which has only been received in recent weeks. They appreciate the concerns of all the victims and witnesses who have testified to the Commission and want to reassure them that they intend to do justice to their submissions. These are complex issues - weighing the facts and considering the legal questions that arise is something that should not be rushed under any circumstances. ENDS A statement issued by Ambassador Joachim Ruecker, President of the UN Human Rights Council, is copied below. STARTS Statement Attributable to the President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Joachim Ruecker (Germany) Geneva, 9 March 2015 -- Today I met with the Commissioners of the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict who handed over a letter requesting a deferral to June 2015 of the submission and presentation of their report due to be presented to the Human Rights Council on 23 March. The Commissioners informed me that they needed this extension in order to weigh the additional information they have received in recent weeks. I have conveyed this request to the concerned parties and informed the Council Bureau. Following the explanation by the Commissioners, I support the request for additional time vis-à -vis the Human Rights Council, in order to allow them to finalize a comprehensive report as mandated. ENDS.