Third Committee
Agenda item 68 (c): Human Rights
Intervention by the Republic of Maldives to the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967
United Nations, New York, 27 October 2016
Thank you Madam Chair,
The Maldives delegation congratulates the appointment of Mr. Michael Lynk as the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the State of Palestine and appreciates his comprehensive report. My delegation wishes to express our deep concern for the disproportionate use of deadly force by Israel in the State of Palestine as noted by the Special Rapporteur.
The Maldives is further disheartened by the upsurge of violence, increase in unlawful killing of civilians and the number of casualties, which occurred in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the current reporting period. The continuation of administrative detention, forcible transfer of families, punitive demolishment of homes and tightened restrictions placed in areas through closures and blockades adds to the inherent abuses and disregard for international humanitarian laws by Israel in the State of Palestine.
We agree with the Special Rapporteur that holding individuals accountable for serious violations of international humanitarian law is necessary to deter future violations, to promote respect for the law and to enable avenues to redress the victims.
The Maldives calls upon the Israeli authorities to fully implement the Special Rapporteur's recommendations, including the conduct of independent and impartial investigations in all instances where the use of lethal or excessive force or the commission of unlawful acts are alleged against Israeli security forces. Relatedly, we would like to ask the Special Rapporteur if he could elaborate more on some of the measures that could be adopted to ensure genuine accountability for violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Israeli Security Forces in Gaza.
My delegation further seeks the views of the Special Rapporteur on how he foresees the effective implementation of the main recommendations contained in his report with the aim of brining an end to the illegal Israeli occupation in the State of Palestine.
Thank you.
