Joint Statement by
Bangladesh, Malaysia, Maldives, Namibia, Timor Leste, Türkiye and Indonesia
Delivered by
H.E. ARRMANATHA C. NASIR, PR OF INDONESIA
AT THE UNSC OPEN BRIEFING
ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
NEW YORK, 8 DECEMBER 2023
Thank you, Mr. President, I am speaking on behalf of Bangladesh, Malaysia, Maldives, Namibia, Timor-Leste, Türkiye and my own country, Indonesia.
Mr. President,
In one autumn season the world stood by and watched over 16,000 people killed in Gaza. Whole families, and generation wiped out, including more than 6,000 children.
The latest word to describe the situation faced by innocent women and children in Gaza is apocalyptic conditions. Saying this has taken a toll on our collective conscience is an understatement. If we fail to act history will judge us as accomplices to crimes against humanity.
When the world vowed “never again” over 75 years ago. It was not meant only for a certain race nor for a certain religious group. It was to protect everyone in this world. It was to save humanity.
Mr. President,
We fully support the Secretary General’s recent letter to the members of this council calling for a humanitarian ceasefire.
In this very council on 24th October open debate, we underlined an immediate ceasefire is vital to end atrocities and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. This is the least that the Council should do if we truly want to uphold human rights and humanity. And this is why we are proud to co-sponsor the draft resolution on humanitarian ceasefire. We call on the Council the adopt the draft.
In this regard, allow me to state three points. First, please show compassion to humanity focus on innocent civilians, women, children, the infirm.
How many more lives, how many more children must we sacrifice? How many more must die before this relentless assault is halted? 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 people?
Listen to the collective plea of the global community. Stop the attack on women and children in Gaza. Let adequate humanitarian assistance into all parts of Gaza.
Second, the threats of spillover of the conflict may not just be regional but global.
The situation in Gaza is being broadcast 24/7, uncensored, through social media and electronic channels. The world watches in horror as women and children become innocent casualties in this devastating conflict.
We cannot afford to let radical elements take up arms in different parts of the world. Or even radicalized the moderates.
Lastly, let us reaffirm our commitment to uphold international law and international humanitarian law in its entirety.
There must be no double standard in upholding international law and international humanitarian law, in upholding accountability. It should be applied equally to all countries no matter big or small. There must be no double standard on humanity.
And for these reasons, we appeal to members of the council to do the right thing. Stop these inhumane acts against the Palestinians. Listen to your conscience.
Let us choose peace over conflict, compassion over cruelty, and unity over division. Let's work to bring peace to Palestine and Israel. Let us address the root cause and make the two-state solution a reality.
Thank you.
