The International Congress SHIELD extends its heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
With deep love and appreciation, the International Congress SHIELD conveys its warmest congratulations and sincere wishes on the blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha.
We pray to God that it returns to the entire world with goodness, peace, and prosperity.
On this blessed occasion, we raise our hands in prayer for lasting peace, the strengthening of human values and tolerance, and for the spirit of solidarity to prevail among all nations.
Wishing you a blessed and joyful Eid.
Eid Mubarak!
The International Congress for Protecting the Rights and Freedom of Citizens (Shield) renews its urgent humanitarian appeal to the free peoples of the world, calling for immediate and effective action to halt the brutal aggression on the Gaza Strip.
From the very first day of the Israeli assault, the organization launched a comprehensive humanitarian and media campaign aimed at exposing ongoing violations, expressing solidarity with the civilian population, and urging serious international intervention. This campaign remains active and steadfast, and will not cease until justice is achieved and the bloodshed of the Palestinian people is brought to an end.
Today, Gaza is enduring crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity unprecedented in modern times. Densely populated neighborhoods are being relentlessly bombarded; hospitals, schools, and shelters are being directly targeted. Access to food, medicine, water, and electricity has been deliberately cut off from more than two million civilians. This is not merely a conflict — it is a systematic campaign of extermination, carried out in cold blood and in blatant violation of international law and humanitarian conventions. It is a tragedy that shocks the conscience of humanity.
The silence of the international community and the inaction of regional powers have moved beyond failure — they now amount to complicity, offering cover for ongoing atrocities and reinforcing a dangerous culture of impunity. Such silence not only betrays the victims but also undermines universal human values and weakens trust in the global system of justice.
The International Shield Organization urgently calls on free people everywhere to rise in defense of justice — by pressuring governments to take firm and meaningful stances, and by supporting media and advocacy efforts that expose these crimes and give voice to the victims.
The organization remains resolute. Its campaign will continue with unwavering determination — without rest or resignation — until the aggression is stopped and those responsible for these atrocities are held fully accountable.
This is a pivotal moment — a true test of our shared human conscience. Let us all stand together for justice, for life, and for human dignity.
International Congress for Protecting the Rights and Freedom of Citizens (Shield) – Belgium
Terrifying Statistics and an Urgent Call for International Justice
Issued by:
International Congress for Protecting the Rights and Freedom of Citizens (SHIELD) – Palestine Commission
Date: May 2025
This report documents the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe endured by the Palestinian people in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, following the outbreak of the wide-scale Israeli aggression that began on October 7, 2023.
It is based on official reports, field statistics, eyewitness accounts, and data from international and human rights organizations, in addition to on-the-ground documentation by members of SHIELD present in the occupied Palestinian territories. The aim is to record the magnitude of destruction and the crimes committed against civilians.
This aggression has not been a mere military campaign, but rather has taken the shape of genocide, through the systematic use of bombing, siege, and starvation to dismantle Palestinian society and target its very existence.
Overall Statistics (As of May 2025)
Total number of martyrs: 53,644
Children: 17,800
Women: 12,400
Elderly: 3,853
Medical personnel: 1,411
Educational workers: 800
Civil defense members: 113
Humanitarian and international aid workers: Over 200
Number of missing persons: 11,200 (including 4,700 children)
Number of injured: 121,950 – the majority are women and children, with thousands in critical condition or left permanently disabled
Gaza Strip – Systematic Destruction and a Humanitarian Catastrophe
Child Victims
Children were directly targeted. Over 17,800 children were killed, many of them buried under rubble or struck in their homes and shelters. Thousands suffered severe injuries and disabilities, while tens of thousands face deep psychological trauma from losing family members.
Collapse of the Healthcare System
Gaza’s healthcare system has been virtually paralyzed, with over 90% of medical facilities out of service. At least 1,411 medical workers were killed, many while performing their humanitarian duties or in direct attacks on hospitals and ambulances.
Targeting of Aid Workers
More than 200 humanitarian workers were killed, including staff from UNRWA and World Central Kitchen. Aid centers and vehicles were deliberately targeted, forcing the suspension of life-saving operations in a region suffering from starvation and medical shortages.
Journalists and Media Workers
At least 222 journalists and media professionals were killed, some deliberately targeted while covering the conflict or even inside their homes. These attacks appear to be systematic efforts to silence the truth and prevent documentation of the crimes.
Infrastructure and Housing Destruction
Over 75% of Gaza’s housing was destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. More than 500 schools, 160 healthcare centers, dozens of mosques, churches, and universities were also targeted and damaged or destroyed.
Siege and Prevention of Aid
Gaza remains under a crippling blockade. Deaths from hunger and dehydration have been recorded. Starvation has been weaponized, especially in the northern areas, where access to food, clean water, and medicine has been deliberately blocked.
West Bank – Escalating Pattern of Daily Violations
Victim Statistics
Martyrs: 1,180 (including 150 children and 120 women)
Injured: Over 9,000 – mostly from live ammunition
Detainees: Around 8,500 – including hundreds of children and university students
Homes demolished: 640 – mostly in Jerusalem and Hebron
Settler attacks: 950 incidents – often under military protection
Violation Methods
Documented field executions during raids and at checkpoints
Administrative detentions without charges, affecting minors and activists
Mass raids on refugee camps and cities – particularly Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm
Deliberate targeting of journalists and medics
Aggressive settlement expansion, aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinian residents
Legal Framework – Classification Under International Law
The crimes committed constitute blatant violations of international humanitarian law and fall under the following categories:
Genocide: As defined by the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
War Crimes: Including targeting civilians, bombing hospitals, and using starvation as a weapon
Crimes Against Humanity: Indiscriminate killings, forced displacement, and deliberate starvation
Violations of the Geneva Conventions: Particularly the Fourth Convention on the protection of civilians
Continuous disregard for UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions
Recommendations to the International Community
SHIELD urgently calls for the following actions:
Immediate and comprehensive international investigation into the crimes committed
Activation of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court concerning Palestine
Imposition of immediate sanctions on the Israeli occupying authorities
Unhindered entry of humanitarian aid and the lifting of the blockade
International protection for civilians, especially women and children
Launching of a global plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, under transparent and accountable UN supervision
Conclusion
The situation in Palestine is no longer a mere “conflict” — it has become a systematic, ongoing crime, carried out with tools of genocide and total destruction, amidst global silence that can only be interpreted as complicity disguised as neutrality.
The continued lack of accountability entrenches a culture of impunity and paves the way for further atrocities against a people deprived of their most basic rights to life, safety, and dignity.
The blood of children under the rubble will not be forgotten. History will not forgive.
Issued by:
International Congress for Protecting the Rights and Freedom of Citizens (SHIELD) – Palestine Commission
Date: May 2025
The International Congress Shield Congratulates the European People on the 75th Anniversary of Europe Day
On May 9, 2025, Europeans—together with people around the world—celebrate the 75th anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the creation of the European Union and ushered in a new era of peace, cooperation, and integration among the nations of Europe.
On this significant occasion, the International Congress Shield extends its warmest congratulations to the leaders and peoples of the European Union, emphasizing the importance of this day as a symbol of solidarity and unity—values the world needs now more than ever.
The Schuman Declaration of 1950 marked a pivotal turning point in European history. It established the groundwork for a united Europe capable of overcoming conflict and division, paving the way for a partnership rooted in shared interests, respect for human rights, and the promotion of democracy.
Today, 75 years later, the European Union stands as a global model of peace, stability, and sustainable development.
EU member states are commemorating this anniversary through a wide range of activities, including opening the doors of European institutions to the public, hosting cultural, educational, and entertainment events, and lighting up iconic landmarks in the colors of the European flag.
Additionally, Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, features a special program dedicated to this occasion, reflecting the global significance of Europe Day.
In light of today’s global challenges, the European Union continues to serve as a pillar of stability and a source of opportunity and security for its citizens and partners.
The International Congress Shield firmly believes that the EU’s values—freedom, justice, pluralism, and international cooperation—provide a strong foundation for a better future built on peace and shared prosperity.
The organization reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among nations, advancing human security, and fostering a culture of peace and coexistence in collaboration with international and regional institutions—in line with the vision set forth in the Schuman Declaration.
Happy Europe Day to all—may the unity of peoples remain stronger than any challenge.
International Congress Shield – Brussels
Since its establishment, the International Congress SHIELD for the Protection of Citizens’ Rights and Freedoms, under the leadership of its founder and current president, Dr. Saleh Muhamed Daher, has led a remarkable journey centered on safeguarding human dignity and promoting the values of freedom and peace.
The organization was born out of a firm belief that protecting the fundamental rights of individuals is the cornerstone of sustainable global security. At its core lies the unwavering defense of human beings—wherever they may be—and resistance against all threats to their freedom and rights, in line with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a commitment to justice, development, and international peace.
Charitable Activities for Vulnerable Groups: Community Support and Human Development
In pursuit of its noble humanitarian mission, International Congress SHIELD places great emphasis on organizing charitable initiatives for the poor, orphans, and people with disabilities, offering them ongoing support.
These efforts are a fundamental pillar of the organization’s work, helping spark creativity in children, develop their personal and social skills, build their self-confidence, and improve their ability to interact positively with their surroundings.
Youth, Sports, and Humanitarian Activities: Empowering Promising Generations
The organization’s efforts include innovative programs targeted at youth, through organizing sports and humanitarian events, intellectual and cultural exhibitions—most notably the Global Soil Exhibition—as well as training and educational workshops aimed at empowering youth and expanding their roles in society.
Through these initiatives, SHIELD encourages youth engagement in sustainable development projects, climate action, and efforts to combat poverty and hunger. The organization also seeks to raise youth awareness of international law and human justice, while promoting a culture of peace and protecting civilians—especially children—from the impact of armed conflict and serious violations.
Participation in International Conferences: A Humanitarian Voice on Global Platforms
SHIELD plays an active role in international conferences and forums on crucial humanitarian issues, with a focus on:
- Ending colonialism and granting full independence to colonized peoples.
- Supporting the right of peoples to self-determination, foremost among them the Palestinian people’s right of return.
- Promoting solidarity and unity to preserve human dignity and defend public freedoms.
- Opposing all forms of war and conflict, and calling for the end of sectarian and ethnic violence.
- Advocating for the rights of refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals around the world.
Focus on Development, Climate Change, and Education: Toward More Aware and Sustainable Societies
SHIELD places comprehensive development at the top of its agenda, including:
- Combating climate change and halting environmental crimes that threaten the planet.
- Preventing infectious diseases and promoting public health.
- Prioritizing education, especially in rural and impoverished areas.
- Spreading a culture of peace through dialogue as a tool to end conflicts and reject all forms of racism and discrimination.
- Monitoring human rights violations and defending freedom of thought and expression within a framework of mutual respect and truth.
Women Empowerment and Economic Justice: For More Inclusive and Equitable Societies
Among SHIELD’s top priorities:
- Eradicating violence against women, especially female human rights defenders, as a vital step toward achieving justice and equality.
- Ensuring fair treatment of women in agricultural and food systems, which helps reduce global hunger and strengthen the world economy.
- Promoting human development in all its dimensions: economic, cultural, commercial, and tourism-related, to build sustainable and prosperous environments.
Countering Media Disinformation: Protecting Collective Awareness
The organization gives high priority to combating media disinformation, which is considered one of the most dangerous tools of psychological warfare in today’s world. This type of manipulation threatens social peace and the foundations of coexistence among peoples.
Message of Peace and Tolerance: Building a World of Understanding and Justice
International Congress SHIELD is committed to achieving global peace and strengthening values of dialogue, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence among cultures—based on the respect of human rights and defending the right of peoples to self-determination and individual freedoms without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or language.
The organization believes that justice and equality are the essential foundations for building a more humane world rooted in dignity, truth, and mutual respect.
Religious Freedom and Public Diplomacy: A Pillar of Global Peacebuilding
Religious freedom is one of the oldest rights enshrined in international law and a key component of the universally recognized human rights framework.
SHIELD believes that respect for religious freedom is essential to building healthy and open societies.
The organization also places great importance on public diplomacy as a powerful tool for conflict prevention and building bridges of cultural, economic, and intellectual understanding among nations. Since its inception, SHIELD has championed this role by supporting inclusive human dialogue across all fields that serve humanity and uphold dignity.
Emergency Education and Cultural Convergence: Enhancing Resilience
SHIELD aims to promote a culture of education during emergencies as a vital response in times of crisis, helping save lives, ensure continuity in learning, and expand youth participation in knowledge and recovery efforts.
The organization also focuses on cultural convergence and inter-civilizational dialogue, encouraging humanitarian and cultural tourism as an effective tool to foster mutual understanding, spread tolerance, and help combat poverty through global solidarity.
International Congress SHIELD
Always at the forefront… defending humanity, its dignity, and its future.
Sustainable development is no longer a choice—it has become a necessity that touches both the present and the future of humanity. It is a promise that the life we live today should not come at the expense of those who will come after us. What we invest in resources and what we build in communities must be rooted in balance, justice, and the preservation of human dignity.
When we speak of development, we do not mean numbers in economic reports, nor do we take pride in massive projects that lack a human spirit. We speak of educating a child in a remote area, of empowering a youth who once stood at the margins of life, of saving a field from drought, and of a hand that extends to plant hope where despair once prevailed.
The International Shield Organization believes that the human being is the center, the goal, and the means. For this reason, it has chosen to place education and awareness at the forefront of its priorities, directing its mission to those who have not been given a fair chance—to the marginalized, to those left on the edges of society, and to those who fight every day for dignity. The organization has supported education in underserved areas, promoted environmental and developmental awareness, and backed community efforts led by youth to rehabilitate neglected lands and bring life back to soil that was exploited or abandoned.
The organization understands that poverty is not only a lack of money—it is a deprivation of opportunity. That is why it does not simply provide aid, but involves people in crafting the solution. It organizes community meetings, listens to people, respects their ideas, and invites them to be partners in shaping their own paths. It opens platforms for dialogue, launches conferences, forums, and workshops that enlighten minds, connect experiences, and create genuine spaces for collaboration and collective action.
With this vision, the International Shield Organization works to embed the principles of sustainable development in all its dimensions—social, economic, and environmental. It does not distinguish between city and countryside, man and woman, center and periphery. Every individual has the right to dream, to work, and to be part of development—not merely a spectator.
Awareness does not come overnight—it is built through dialogue, education, and daily practice. It is the strongest weapon against hunger, poverty, and marginalization. And with every initiative, the organization sends a clear message: there can be no real development unless we carry it first in our consciousness, unless we recognize that it is a collective responsibility and not a temporary luxury.
Let us all raise the banner of awareness and knowledge and believe that despite every challenge, we are capable of building. You—young people—are the heart and soul of this journey. Rise, begin the battle of awareness, and become the foundation of the change this world truly deserves.
In light of the current challenges, the international organization Shield emphasizes that the Ukrainian people, who are suffering from the violation of their sovereignty, have the legitimate right to defend their land and independence, free from the exploitation of the major powers’ interests. Ukraine’s sovereignty is not a bargaining chip in the game of influence; it is a right guaranteed by international law.
Ukrainian Sovereignty is a Red Line
International law clearly recognizes the right of every nation to protect its independence and sovereignty — a right that is non-negotiable. We call on the international community to support Ukraine without imposing politically motivated conditions. Genuine support should not be tied to allegiance or dependence.
What is happening today in Ukraine is not just a border conflict; it is a clash between the right of peoples to self-determination and the forces seeking to revive systems of domination. Silence in the face of attempts to manipulate the destinies of nations for personal or political gain is a silent betrayal of the principles of freedom and justice.
Unconditional International Solidarity
The “Shield” organization firmly believes that Ukraine is not a battlefield for competing powers, nor a tool in the hands of new tyrants. It is a sovereign nation with a free people who refuse to submit. Therefore, international solidarity with Ukraine must be clear and unconditional, because political blackmail is just as dangerous as military aggression.
Protecting Human Rights
“Shield” stresses the importance of protecting human rights by focusing on civilian protection, documenting violations, and ensuring accountability for war crimes. The organization also supports efforts to protect vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly.
Nations that defend their freedom and independence are the ones that shape their history. Today, Ukraine offers the world a living example of the struggle for freedom.
Together for a free and independent Ukraine.
Crisis and Disaster Management and the Role of the International Shield Organization in Education and the Battle for Awareness
Crisis and disaster management have become major challenges facing societies and nations, whether these crises are natural—such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes—or man-made—like armed conflicts, economic crises, and epidemics. Successfully overcoming these crises does not rely solely on immediate responses but requires a long-term vision based on spreading awareness, education, and developing preventive strategies to protect communities from falling into or worsening these crises.
Crisis Management: More Than Just a Reaction
Crisis management is not merely a reaction to emergency events; it is a comprehensive process that starts with proactive planning, risk management, and building communities capable of facing challenges with awareness and efficiency. Effective crisis management requires a deep understanding of the root causes of problems and working on raising awareness and educating the public to prevent crises or mitigate their effects.
Types of Crises and Disasters
Natural Crises and Disasters
These crises occur due to natural forces that humans cannot always control or predict, such as:
Earthquakes: Result from tectonic plate movements beneath the Earth’s surface.
Floods: Caused by heavy rainfall or rising water levels in rivers.
Hurricanes: Form due to temperature and humidity differences in oceans.
Wildfires: Can be triggered by dry weather conditions or irresponsible human activities.
The main challenge with natural disasters lies in the limited ability to control or predict them. However, their impact can be reduced through prevention programs, awareness campaigns, and proper preparation.
Man-Made Crises and Disasters
These crises arise due to human activities and include:
Wars and Armed Conflicts: These destroy infrastructure, displace populations, and exacerbate societal suffering.
Economic Crises: Such as financial crashes or economic collapses, leading to extreme poverty and declining living standards.
Environmental Pollution: Stemming from over-industrialization, water, air, and soil pollution, which threatens both the environment and human health.
Epidemics and Diseases: Often resulting from poor healthcare management or lack of preparedness for health emergencies.
Man-made crises are more predictable if early warning signs are recognized. They can be addressed through proper government policies and strengthened international cooperation.
The Role of the International Shield Organization in Promoting Awareness and Crisis Management
The International Shield Organization focuses on awareness and education as key tools to tackle crises and disasters. Through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and intellectual initiatives, the organization works to build a generation capable of understanding risks and making informed decisions to protect themselves and their communities.
Community Awareness Promotion
The organization plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of awareness about humanitarian issues, human rights, and the importance of peace and coexistence. Many crises arise from a lack of awareness or misinformation. Therefore, the organization actively spreads accurate information and combats fake news, which can worsen crises.
Supporting Education as a Means to Confront Crises
Education is one of the most powerful tools in crisis response, helping build resilient communities. The International Shield Organization supports education by promoting its importance and advocating for curriculum development to include critical thinking, crisis management, and conflict resolution skills. Education goes beyond schools and universities—it encompasses continuous learning that equips individuals to handle crises with awareness and responsibility.
Strengthening Dialogue and Understanding Between Nations
One of the main causes of crises and conflicts is the lack of dialogue and misunderstanding between cultures. The International Shield Organization believes in the importance of building bridges of communication among nations and promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and international cooperation. Through seminars, conferences, and events, the organization raises awareness about the significance of dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts and prevent crises.
The Battle for Awareness: The Strongest Weapon Against Crises
Crises don’t only stem from natural disasters or political decisions but also from ignorance, media misinformation, and a lack of risk awareness. Therefore, the battle for awareness is fundamental in building strong societies capable of confronting crises wisely.
The International Shield Organization aims to enhance awareness by:
Combating Fake News: Countering misinformation that spreads fear and chaos.
Promoting a Culture of Responsibility: Educating individuals on their role in protecting their communities from crises.
Empowering Youth: Encouraging young people to think critically and actively participate in social issues.
Crisis management is not just about emergency measures; it is a continuous process that requires awareness, education, and strategic planning. The International Shield Organization plays a vital role in this field by spreading awareness, promoting dialogue, and supporting education as key tools to face crises. Building a more stable future depends not only on governments and institutions but also on genuine community awareness, where every individual becomes a partner in creating a safer and more sustainable world.
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting human rights and contributing to global initiatives, the Shield International Organization participated today in an online seminar organized by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on the topic of “Towards a European Green Deal in Compliance with Fundamental Rights.” The seminar took place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 14:30 to 15:30 CET.
The Importance of Participating in the Seminar This seminar took place at a time when societies and nations are seeking to balance sustainable development with ensuring the fundamental rights of individuals. Participants discussed how to systematically apply fundamental rights standards in the European Union’s climate policy to ensure a fair and inclusive transition to a green economy.
Key Topics Discussed in the Seminar
Integrating fundamental rights into climate policies.
Protecting rights through EU funding.
Establishing a monitoring and follow-up framework.
Ensuring meaningful participation from civil society.
Enabling access to justice and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
The Role of the Shield International Organization in this Initiative As an organization dedicated to defending human rights and promoting civil liberties, the Shield International Organization recognized the importance of such discussions in shaping more equitable climate policies. Through this participation, the organization aimed to:
Contribute its expertise in the field of fundamental rights.
Strengthen the role of civil society in developing fair environmental policies.
Support initiatives that ensure a just transition to a green economy.
Build strategic partnerships with EU institutions and relevant international organizations.
Engagement in Civil Society Updates in Brussels In addition to its participation in the FRA seminar, the Shield International Organization continues to engage in international discussions by attending the monthly meeting of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and Civil Society in Brussels, scheduled for February 12, 2025.
This meeting aims to:
Exchange information on human rights developments within the EU.
Provide a platform for NGOs to share challenges and solutions.
Strengthen collaboration between civil society and European institutions.
The Shield International Organization’s involvement in these seminars and meetings represents an important step toward enhancing global dialogue on fundamental rights and sustainable development issues. We believe that international cooperation and active participation are the path to a more just and sustainable future for all. We look forward to your interaction and active participation in these crucial initiatives.
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