Policymakers often only view violations of human rights as consequences of conflict: In war, people unnecessarily—and wrongfully—suffer. The human rights debate then focuses on mitigating violations of rights in times of war, rather than addressing such abuses as central causes to a conflict.
Project Engage, however, believes that violations of fundamental human rights are also often key causes and catalysts of conflict. Approaching such violations as only symptom rather than cause fails both to effectively protect those rights and to engender a situation where sustainable peace can be achieved. This is particularly true in the Israeli-Palestinian context.
While Project Engage does not seek to promote conflict resolution traditionally conceived, Project Engage believes that no current or future attempts at peacemaking will succeed and take root absent discussion—and redress—of legitimate human rights grievances.
Because of the profound influence Western policymakers have on the everyday lives of Israelis and Palestinians, Project Engages views their engagement as essential to creating sound U.S. policy vis-à-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—protecting and promoting human rights.
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