Ex-UN torture official criticizes organization's focus on Israel over Sudan and Yemen

Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, the former UN special rapporteur on torture, stated that the United Nations has failed to produce an investigation or documentation regarding the 251 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. She noted that this lack of formal UN action persists three years after the event, a period she described as a long lag in the organization's response.

Edwards served in her role from 2022 to 2026. She visited the kibbutzim affected by the Hamas attacks in December 2024. During that visit, she observed bullet holes in civilian homes and flowers growing from the rubble. She described the scene as eerie and profound, citing the specific damage to household items like microwaves and fridges as evidence of the impact on civilians.

The former rapporteur argued that the UN's attention is disproportionately focused on Israel. She provided specific figures regarding communications from the organization since October 7. She reported approximately 50 communications concerning Israel, compared to around 10 regarding Sudan. She noted that communications related to the war between Russia and Ukraine numbered in the mid-teens.

Edwards identified two specific colleagues who she believes failed to engage adequately with the October 7 atrocities. These included the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and the special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. She stated that she had not seen these colleagues attempt to interview survivors of sexual violence or other victims of the attacks. She characterized this lack of engagement as deliberate.

She disputed the common justification that Israel had not provided access to investigators. Edwards pointed out a contradiction in the UN's approach, noting that she was previously criticized for relying on Israeli information. She stated that her findings were based on independent sources rather than government material. She argued that blaming Israel for a lack of access while criticizing others for using Israeli data is inconsistent.

The former official expanded her criticism to other regions. She cited 90,000 documented and verified rapes in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the previous year. She argued that these figures, along with atrocities in Yemen, deserve greater international attention than the current focus on the Middle East. She described the UN's pattern as an obsession with Israel.

Edwards described the internal atmosphere at the UN as one of bullying and intimidation. She said colleagues attempted to water down the language of communications concerning the October 7 events. She added that there were efforts to prevent other officials from endorsing those communications. She stated that some professionals have left the organization because they felt unable to work in that environment.

She suggested that the next UN Secretary-General should prioritize peacemaking and conflict prevention. She also proposed that Israel allow international judges to participate in relevant judicial proceedings to restore confidence. She stated that this could involve two international judges without transferring cases to an international court. She expressed disappointment at the lack of international observers in Gaza and access to prisons.

Edwards maintained that her position is not a bias against one side. She said she has investigated allegations against Israeli authorities regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. She emphasized that the goal is to be independent and impartial. She concluded that the organization must maintain a line of integrity by investigating violations wherever they occur.