Independent Initiative to Address War Crimes in Gaza
The Gaza Tribunal, an independent people’s tribunal with humanitarian and moral objectives, is set to hold its first public session in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on May 26, 2025. The tribunal’s mission is to examine alleged war crimes, human rights violations, and breaches of international law committed in Gaza.
Led by Former UN Special Rapporteur Richard Falk
Chaired by Richard Falk, former UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, the Gaza Tribunal will run its sessions in Sarajevo from May 26 to 29. The agenda includes discussions on:
- Settler-colonial genocide frameworks
- Apartheid and forced population transfer
- Protection of civilians in conflict zones
- Limitations of the UN system
- Criminalization of protest movements
From Srebrenica to Gaza: Drawing Historical Parallels
A key panel, “From Srebrenica to Gaza,” will explore historical lessons from the Bosnian genocide and their relevance to the current situation in Gaza. Additional panels will focus on political realism, contemporary geopolitics, and the political economy of genocide.
Sarajevo Declaration to Be Announced
On the final day, participants will present the Sarajevo Declaration, a document shaped by contributions from legal experts, academics, and civil society representatives. All sessions will be broadcast live online, ensuring public accessibility.
Supported by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum
The Gaza Tribunal is organized with the support of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), representing 66 member bodies—including 50 national youth organizations and 16 minority Muslim youth organizations worldwide.
Origins of the Gaza Tribunal
The initiative was officially launched in London in November 2024 by a coalition of academics, human rights advocates, and civil society organizations. It was created in response to what organizers describe as the international community’s failure to enforce international law in Gaza.
Istanbul to Host Final Proceedings in October 2025
Following the Sarajevo sessions, the Gaza Tribunal will convene its final hearing in Istanbul, Türkiye, in October 2025. A Jury of Conscience will present a draft report summarizing the tribunal’s findings, based on witness testimonies and statements from Palestinians directly impacted by the conflict.
A Complementary Forum to International Legal Bodies
While not a substitute for institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Gaza Tribunal seeks to provide credible legal conclusions and raise global awareness about the ongoing crisis.
Author’s Commentary – A Call from the Heart
I have seen too many images from Gaza to stay silent. Every new testimony carries the weight of an entire family’s story—sometimes erased in seconds. And as more evidence reaches the Gaza Tribunal, the truth becomes impossible to ignore. Yet truth alone is not enough. We must move from awareness to action. We must keep speaking, keep sharing, and keep insisting that human dignity is not negotiable. Each time someone chooses to look away, another layer of injustice settles over the victims.
In moments like these, silence serves the oppressor. But voices—united and persistent—can shake the foundations of impunity. That is why the Gaza Tribunal matters. So I ask you: lend your voice. Share the facts. Challenge the lies. Support those gathering evidence, because their work is the bridge between the pain of today and the justice of tomorrow. And justice, once denied, is justice denied to us all.
Besa