Dr. S. Muralidhar Leads UN Gaza Commission: 1 Historic Voice

Dr. S. Muralidhar UN Commission Chairman

By Krishna Arya | Network Bharat

Dr. S. Muralidhar Appointed Chairman of UN Gaza Commission : India has earned a moment of global recognition as Dr. S. Muralidhar, former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court and senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed Chairman of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.

The appointment places an Indian jurist at the helm of one of the world’s most critical human rights investigative bodies—tasked with examining alleged violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law amid the continuing conflict in the Gaza Strip and surrounding regions.

Dr. Muralidhar succeeds renowned Brazilian human rights expert Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, signaling continuity and strengthened leadership for the commission’s sensitive and high-profile mandate.

Dr. S. Muralidhar Appointed Chairman of UN Gaza Commission

🌍 What Is the UN Commission of Inquiry?

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) was created in 2021 by a special resolution of the UN Human Rights Council (Resolution S-30/1) following rising violence in the region.

Its mission is not limited to recording events—it goes deeper to examine:

• All alleged violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law
• Systematic abuses linked to ethnicity, religion, or nationality
• Root causes of conflict, including discrimination, repression, and recurring instability
• Identification of responsible parties
• Recommendations for accountability and justice for victims

The commission reports its findings annually to both:

▪ UN Human Rights Council
▪ UN General Assembly

⚖️ Muralidhar to Lead a Global Investigation

With his extensive experience in constitutional law and human rights advocacy, Dr. S. Muralidhar now leads the three-member panel, giving India a visible leadership role in international justice.

The Current Members:

• Dr. S. Muralidhar (India) – Chairman
• Justice Florence Mumba (Zambia) – Former Supreme Court judge
• Chris Sidoti (Australia) – Renovated international human rights expert (reappointed)

Together, the panel is responsible for assembling evidence, examining state actions, documenting civilian impact, and recommending international responses.

🔍 Expanded Mandate After Gaza War

In 2024, following the escalation of violence after October 7, 2023, the Human Rights Council expanded the commission’s scope, instructing it to investigate:

• Activities of settlers in occupied territories
• Arms supply and weapons transfers
• Use of weapons during the Israeli military operation in Gaza

This marked the UN’s strongest directive yet toward assessing international responsibility related to military support and civilian casualties in the conflict zone.

📄 The 2025 UN Report That Shook the World

In September 2025, the commission released one of its most controversial and widely discussed findings:

The Commission concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza constituted “genocidal acts against Palestinians.”

The report cited large-scale destruction, civilian deaths, population displacement, and access restrictions on humanitarian relief as key elements in its findings.

The report reignited global debates over accountability, international law enforcement, and moral responsibility during wartime conduct.

🇮🇳 Why Dr. Muralidhar’s Appointment Matters for India

Dr. Muralidhar’s elevation to Chairmanship symbolizes more than personal achievement—it positions India as a trusted voice in international human rights oversight.

Significance of his appointment:

✅ Enhances India’s image at the UN as a guardian of rule of law

✅ Demonstrates faith in Indian judiciary values of justice & impartiality

✅ Connects Indian legal expertise to global peace and accountability processes

✅ Places an Indian jurist at the center of major international policy debates

👨‍⚖️ Who Is Dr. S. Muralidhar?

Dr. Muralidhar has been celebrated across India for his principled rulings and advocacy on issues concerning:

• Civil liberties
• Freedom of expression
• Access to justice
• Minority protection
• Constitutional rights

As former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court and later a senior advocate, he earned respect as a jurist known for courage, clarity, and compassion.

His current role on the UN commission brings his judicial philosophy to the world stage.

🌐 What Comes Next?

Under Dr. Muralidhar’s leadership, the commission will:

• Continue monitoring developments in Gaza, East Jerusalem & Israel
• Collect survivor testimony and legal documentation
• Prepare submissions for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and UN bodies
• Deliver updated accountability recommendations to UN leadership

Given ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the panel’s work is expected to carry global diplomatic weight.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Dr. S. Muralidhar’s appointment is a proud moment for India and a reminder that Indian legal minds are shaping global frameworks for justice and accountability.

At a time when humanitarian crises demand transparency and courage, his leadership offers a renewed sense of ethical stewardship on the international stage.

Sources

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