All three members of the UN Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories have resigned, citing the need for a refreshed composition. The members include South African Navi Pillay, Australian Chris Sidoti, and Indian Miloon Kothari.
Pillay, former president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, noted that her age contributed to her decision to step down. Sidoti said it was “the right time for renewal,” while Kothari expressed pride in having contributed to the commission’s work.
The president of the UN Human Rights Council has invited member states to submit nominations for new commissioners by August 31, with appointments expected in early November after the outgoing members deliver their final report before the General Assembly.
Established in 2021, the commission has been sharply criticized by Israel, especially following a report that accused it of committing grave violations, including the deliberate destruction of healthcare facilities, while also blaming the international community for inaction.
