Third Committee

Agenda Item 72(c): Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

Intervention by the Republic of Maldives to the Report by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967

United Nations, New York, 29 October 2015

 

Thank you Mr. Chairman,

The delegation of Maldives welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, with great concern.

The Maldives is dismayed by the grave human rights violations by Israel on the occupied territories of Palestine. The Report of the Special Rapporteur once again reminds us of the struggle and dire condition of Palestinians living in Gaza and the excessive use of force, settlement expansion including forced eviction, and forcible transfers carried out in the occupied territories. It also highlights the unsuitable living conditions and public health risks flowing from poor and damaged infrastructure facilities in the occupied territories. In sum, the Report highlights how, in the 48 years of occupation, Israeli policies and practices run counter to international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

The Maldives reiterates its strong support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including the need for a two-state solution, as a fundamental step towards safeguarding their human rights. We strongly agree with the Special Rapporteur that the failure of accountability for past violations of human rights and the refusal to adhere to international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a troubling indication that continued inaction by the international community for grievances committed by the occupying power will only lead to more injustices.

In this regard, the Maldives would like to seek the views of the Special Rapporteur on how he proposes the violators be held accountable and what specific role the international community should play in bringing to an end the injustices being perpetrated against Palestinian people. In other words, how the Special Rapporteur forsee the implementation of his NINE recommendations without bringing an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territory.

Thank you!