{"id":136481,"date":"2018-05-22T18:17:03","date_gmt":"2018-05-22T18:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=136481"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:52:34","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:52:34","slug":"human-rights-council-concludes-special-session-on-the-deteriorating-human-rights-situation-in-the-opt-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/human-rights-council-concludes-special-session-on-the-deteriorating-human-rights-situation-in-the-opt-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"Human Rights Council Concludes Special Session on the Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in the oPt – Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"

fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/p>\n

AFTERNOON<\/p>\n

Decides to Dispatch an Independent, International Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Human Rights Violations in the Context of Large-Scale Civilian Protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory<\/strong><\/p>\n

GENEVA (18 May 2018) – The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted a resolution in which it decided to dispatch an independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the context of large-scale civilian protests in the occupied Palestinian territory.<\/p>\n

In the resolution, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, two against, and 14 abstentions, the Council decided to urgently dispatch an independent, international commission of inquiry, to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council, to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, particularly in the occupied Gaza Strip, in the context of the military assaults on the large-scale civilian protests that began on 30 March 2018. \u00a0The Commission of Inquiry was to present an oral update to the Council at its thirty-ninth session and a final, written report at its fortieth session.<\/p>\n

The Council condemned the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians, including in the context of peaceful protests, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and called for an immediate cessation of all attacks, incitement and violence against civilians throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and it called on all parties to ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful and to abstain from actions that could endanger the lives of civilians. \u00a0Finally, the Council called upon Israel, the occupying power, and all relevant parties to cooperate fully with the commission of inquiry and facilitate its access.<\/p>\n

Introducing the draft text was Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. \u00a0The United States and South Africa spoke in general comments.<\/p>\n

Speaking in an explanation of the vote before and after the vote were: Belgium also on behalf of Spain and Slovenia, Germany also on behalf of Croatia and Slovakia, Australia, Hungary, United Kingdom and Mexico.<\/p>\n

Israel and State of Palestine spoke as concerned countries.<\/p>\n

Before adopting the resolution, the Council concluded its discussion on the deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. \u00a0In the discussion, speakers recognized and supported the right of the Palestinians to self-determination, and regretted the recent events that undermined prospects for peace, noting that the transfer of the United States embassy to Jerusalem had contributed to the violence. \u00a0Speakers noted that the mass killing and wounding of unarmed and defenceless protesters in the Gaza Strip should not come as a surprise given the impunity granted to Israel. \u00a0Member States had to be aware that such indulgence did not remain without consequences because it encouraged Israel to continue to violate international law and commit more crimes. \u00a0Speakers urged the international community and the Council to strongly condemn the recent violence and bloodshed in the occupied Palestinian territory, and to subject them to international investigation. \u00a0Other speakers said the special session distorted the truth. \u00a0The truth was that Hamas was an organization that sought to destroy Israel, using thousands of civilians as a shield. \u00a0Hamas was fully responsible for the violence on the Gaza-Israel border. \u00a0They asked how could the recent violence be condemned without referring to the role of Hamas in inciting it, and without a reference to the hatred fuelled by that terrorist organization towards Israeli civilians.<\/p>\n

Speaking in the discussion were Luxembourg, Argentina, Guinea, Albania, Niger, Somalia and Djibouti.<\/p>\n

The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Independent Commission for Human Rights, International Commission of Jurists, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Â鶹APP Watch, Defence for Children International, World Jewish Congress, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights,\u00a0Conseil international pour le soutien \u00e0 des proc\u00e8s \u00e9quitables et aux droits de l\u2019homme<\/em>, The\u00a0Palestinian Return Centre Ltd, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, Al-Haq, Law in the Service of Man, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, BADIL Resource Centre for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, Women\u2019s International League for Peace and Freedom, Caritas Internationalis International Confederation of Catholic Charities, Human Rights Watch, Institute for NGO Research, Norwegian Refugee Council, World Council of Churches,\u00a0Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l\u2019homme<\/em>, CIVICUS \u2013 World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Habitat International Coalition, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru, International Lawyers.org, Amnesty International, Instituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice delle Salesiane di Don Bosco, International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development \u2013 VIDES, ADALAH \u2013 Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, and Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations.<\/p>\n

The special session opened this morning and a summary of the morning meeting can be found\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This was the Human Rights Council\u2019s twenty-eighth special session. Documentation relating to the special session is available on the Human Rights Council\u00a0webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The thirty-eighth regular session of the Human Rights Council will take place from 18 June to 6 July 2018.<\/p>\n

Discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Luxembourg\u00a0considered that the violence carried out recently by Israeli forces was unacceptable. \u00a0This was excessive use of force, and in breach of international humanitarian law. \u00a0Luxembourg had already called on Israeli forces not to shoot at crowds of demonstrators. \u00a0It was in favour of an independent investigation. \u00a0Luxembourg
\ncalled on the parties to shoulder their responsibilities and refrain from any actions that could jeopardize a peaceful resolution of the conflict.<\/p>\n

Argentina\u00a0expressed its deep concern at the acts of violence in Gaza in recent days, the escalation of which had led to a tragedy not just for the Palestinian people, but for humankind. \u00a0The excessive and disproportionate use of force was in violation of international human rights. \u00a0All parties had to act responsibly. \u00a0Argentina reiterated its desire for the peace process to resume, so that there could be a sovereign State for Palestinians within the pre-1967 borders.<\/p>\n

Guinea\u00a0firmly condemned the acts carried out by the occupying force of Israel. \u00a0The only crime of the Palestinians was their wish to live a life in dignity and freedom. \u00a0Guinea reaffirmed its solidarity with the Palestinian people and called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility and to ensure a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital and in accordance with the pre-1967 borders.<\/p>\n

Albania\u00a0was deeply concerned about the escalation of violence and loss of human lives at the Gaza fence, resulting in a high number of Palestinians killed and injured. \u00a0The right to protest peacefully was a fundamental human right to be respected by all. \u00a0Albania shared the view that an independent and transparent investigation was needed to understand what happened and why. \u00a0It welcomed the convening of this special session of the Human Rights Council as an important step.<\/p>\n

Niger\u00a0expressed solidarity with and deep compassion for the Palestinian people. \u00a0It firmly condemned the use of excessive force by Israel against peaceful protesters in the Gaza Strip, who had been protesting the transfer of the United States embassy to Jerusalem. \u00a0Niger called on Israel to respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and to assume responsibility for its acts.<\/p>\n

Somalia\u00a0affirmed its support for the just cause of the Palestinians to establish their own State with the capital in East Jerusalem. \u00a0The violation of international law was not in the interest of peace in the Middle East. \u00a0Somalia condemned the use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians, welcomed the holding of the special session of the Human Rights Council, and called for the unanimous adoption of the draft resolution.<\/p>\n

Djibouti\u00a0recognized and supported the right of Palestinians to self-determination, and regretted the recent events that had undermined prospects for peace. \u00a0Israel\u2019s disregard for international resolutions had led to the explosion of violence in the Gaza Strip. \u00a0Djibouti asked Israel to respect its international obligations, to end the blockade of Gaza, and to cease its settler policy. \u00a0Djibouti restated its support for the oppressed Palestinian people.<\/p>\n

Independent Commission for Human Rights\u00a0called upon the Human Rights Council to investigate the excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian citizens. \u00a0It requested the Council to look into the grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by the Israeli occupying forces in Gaza. \u00a0Potentially amounting to war crimes, these violations were perpetrated against the peaceful Great March of Return and protests against the blockade on Gaza.<\/p>\n

International Commission of Jurists\u00a0was concerned at the many killings and serious injuries associated with the excessive, unjustified or otherwise unlawful use of force by Israel, including the killing of a number of children. \u00a0It recalled that international human rights law permitted the use of lethal force only when strictly necessary to protect life. \u00a0Excessive force, including lethal force, had apparently been used against unarmed persons who did not pose a threat to life.<\/p>\n

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues\u00a0strongly condemned the killing and injury of the Palestinians who had been peacefully protesting. \u00a0The excessive use of force was in breach of international humanitarian law and human rights. \u00a0Due to the silence of the Â鶹APP Security Council, the Human Rights Council should establish an investigative body, and encourage the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into the alleged violations of international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n

Â鶹APP Watch\u00a0noted that the special session distorted the truth. \u00a0The truth was that Hamas was an organization that sought to destroy Israel, using thousands of civilians as a shield. \u00a0The organization wondered how Council Member States would respond to a flood of terrorists. \u00a0Israel had in fact protected the lives of Gazans; it should be commended for that and not condemned.<\/p>\n

Defence for Children International\u00a0drew attention to the fact that on 14 May Israeli forces had killed seven children with live ammunition during large-scale protests near Israel\u2019s perimeter fence. \u00a0The organization called on the Council to condemn the excessive use of force by Israel, to ensure accountability for unlawful killings in Gaza, and to demand an independent and transparent investigation into all incidents of excessive use of force.<\/p>\n

World Jewish Congress\u00a0held Hamas fully responsible for the violence on the Gaza-Israel border. \u00a0How could the recent violence be condemned without referring to the role of Hamas in inciting it, and without a reference to the hatred fuelled by that terrorist organization towards Israeli civilians? \u00a0How could demonstrations be labelled as peaceful? \u00a0The organization urged the international community to call for the calm and accurate dissemination of information, and for the rejection of the draft resolution.<\/p>\n

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies\u00a0said it was clear that Israeli forces enjoyed a culture of impunity for acts that were in blatant violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. \u00a0In a letter to this Council, 95 regional organizations had called on the Human Rights Council to conduct an independent and international investigation. \u00a0They had also requested that the International Criminal Court immediately begin an active investigation into these and other crimes.<\/p>\n

Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights\u00a0said the Israeli armed forces policy of open fire was illegal and unacceptable. \u00a0The Israeli State had invented a new legal basis that would justify the killing of people that were part of a crowd in a peaceful protest. \u00a0Al Mezan called on the Human Rights Council to open an immediate, international and independent commission of inquiry to look into the facts of the recent events. \u00a0It urged the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into the recent acts and to look into the root causes of the conflict.<\/p>\n

Le\u00a0Conseil International pour le soutien \u00e0 des proc\u00e8s \u00e9quitables et aux Droits de l’Homme<\/em>\u00a0said over the past seven weeks of peaceful protests, several thousand citizens had been injured and tens more killed. \u00a0The blame lay with all governments that did not take action to end the killings. \u00a0Mere lip service was not just insufficient, but may amount to an escalation to the violence that was in violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. \u00a0The only time to act was now.<\/p>\n

The Palestinian Return Centre Ltd\u00a0deplored Israel\u2019s massacre of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. \u00a0Israeli snipers deliberately gunned down peaceful protesters on the Gaza-Israel border on the day commemorating the Nakhba. \u00a0The organization condemned the decision of the United States to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem, which would further embolden Israel.<\/p>\n

Union of Arab Jurists\u00a0condemned with abhorrence the ugly crimes perpetrated by Israeli forces against unarmed Palestinians in Gaza. \u00a0The violence had been worsened by the decision of the United States to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem. \u00a0It was one in a series of heinous crimes committed by Israel against Palestinians, which undermined regional peace and stability.<\/p>\n

International Association of Democratic Lawyers\u00a0reminded that Israel had violated international law with complete impunity for years. \u00a0The mass killing and wounding of unarmed and defenceless protesters in the Gaza Strip should not come as a surprise given the impunity granted to Israel. \u00a0However, Member States had to be aware that such indulgence did not remain without consequences because it encouraged Israel to continue to violate international law and commit more crimes.<\/p>\n

Al-Haq, Law in the Service of Man\u00a0drew attention to the wilful killing by Israel of peaceful Palestinian civilians, reflecting complete disregard for the lives of Palestinians. \u00a0Israel\u2019s brutal suppression of the Great March of Return on the day of the Nakhba demonstrated that Israel was not accountable to anyone.<\/p>\n

International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination\u00a0said that the plight of the Palestinian people had not begun on 14 May or 30 March, but had been long-standing for several decades. \u00a0It therefore called upon the Â鶹APP Security Council to institute Chapter 7 of the Â鶹APP Charter about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially considering the longevity of the occupation and the insistence of Israel to continue violations.<\/p>\n

BADIL Resource Centre for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights\u00a0said the wilful killings and excessive use of force targeting civilians in the Gaza Strip, despite Israel\u2019s colonial and apartheid policies, aimed at displacing and transferring Palestinians out of their homes. \u00a0Despite the creeping annexation of the West Bank including East Jerusalem, the international community had woefully failed to act, which constituted an umbrella of impunity for Israel\u2019s ongoing violations of international law.<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s International League for Peace and Freedom\u00a0said the moving of the United States embassy in clear violation of international law had only stirred the violence. \u00a0The League called on the Human Rights Council to establish an international and independent commission of inquiry to investigate all Israeli actions and to call on Israel to stop the violence. \u00a0It also urged all States to seek accountability for Israel\u2019s violations.<\/p>\n

Caritas Internationalis International Confederation of Catholic Charities, in a joint statement, expressed deep concern about the renewed hatred and deadly violence in the Holy Land, along the Israel-Gaza border. \u00a0It recalled that peaceful protest was a legitimate exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. \u00a0It urged both sides to redouble efforts towards a peaceful solution.<\/p>\n

Human Rights Watch\u00a0reminded that the Israeli forces had shot dead many Palestinians in demonstrations in Gaza since 30 March, including 14 children, and had injured more than 3,500 with live fire. \u00a0The organization urged all Human Rights Council members to put principle before politics and to support an international inquiry into the latest bloodshed.<\/p>\n

Institute for NGO Research\u00a0noted that about 90 per cent of the casualties in the recent protests in Gaza were fighters. \u00a0How many more times would the Human Rights Council be held hostage to Palestinian diversion? \u00a0Was doing the bidding for Hamas the role of the Â鶹APP? \u00a0The Council should finally put an end to the farce and misuse of international bodies.<\/p>\n

Norwegian Refugee Council\u00a0noted that the 11-year old Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza was worsening the already precarious humanitarian crisis. \u00a0It had gone unaddressed for too long. \u00a0Meaningful action had to be taken by the Council to hold to account those responsible for the persistent violation of international law and collective punishment of the population before the crisis escalated.<\/p>\n

World Council of Churches\u00a0called on the international community and the Council to strongly condemn the recent violence and bloodshed in the occupied Palestinian territory, and to subject them to international investigation. \u00a0It also urged it to accelerate all efforts towards a just and viable solution, which respected the aspiration of all the people living in the Holy Land.<\/p>\n

Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l\u2019homme<\/em>\u00a0condemned most forcefully the wilful killings and disproportionate use of force perpetrated by the Israeli security forces against civilians in Gaza, which had become a prison. \u00a0The Palestinians, living in utter destitution, had the right to protest this unbearable situation. \u00a0This Human Right Council special session should seek an end of the hostilities, and a return to the roadmap for peace. \u00a0The international community must protect the Palestinians and guarantee justice.<\/p>\n

CIVICUS-World Alliance for Citizen Participation, in a joint statement, condemned the atrocities committed by the Israeli occupation forces against peaceful Palestinian protesters in Gaza. \u00a0On 14 May alone, more than 61 Palestinians, including 8 children, were killed and nearly 3,000 wounded as Israeli forces used live ammunition on protesters who were demonstrating against the relocation of the United States embassy to Jerusalem. \u00a0Since 30 March 2018, 110 Palestinians had been killed and over 12,000 had been wounded.<\/p>\n

Habitat International Coalition\u00a0said Israel\u2019s recent acts epitomized its decade-old policies. \u00a0Just after perpetrators of population transfer were prosecuted at Nuremberg and Tokyo, the world had witnessed the same acts by Israel. \u00a0States\u2019 failure to stop these violations spoke of the failure of the inter-State system not to recognize or cooperate with the illegal situation in Palestine. \u00a0These acts inspired others to copy these crimes.<\/p>\n

International Fellowship of Reconciliation\u00a0said no accidental deaths were legitimate. \u00a0Most Israeli conscripts were unwilling soldiers, who had been conscripted in their teens. \u00a0It was the Israeli Government in whose name these violations had been perpetrated. \u00a0The United States Government, which continued to consider Israel above the law, was also guilty and should be condemned.<\/p>\n

Indian Movement \u201cTupaj Amaru\u201d\u00a0condemned the recent criminal attacks by the Israeli army against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and deplored the unusual transfer of the United States embassy to Jerusalem in violation of the Â鶹APP Charter. \u00a0The Palestinian people had been stripped of their territory and were being exterminated.<\/p>\n

International-Lawyers.org\u00a0noted that the massacre that had occurred on 14 May was another example of a war crime committed against the Palestinian people by Israel during the long occupation. \u00a0Under international laws, people had the right to peaceful assembly and expression; these laws prohibited the use of lethal force against civilians unless they participated directly in acts of hostility.<\/p>\n

Amnesty International\u00a0was dismayed and alarmed about the mass killings and injuries of Palestinians in the context of the Great March of Return in the Gaza Strip. \u00a0Eyewitness testimonies, video and photographic evidence suggested that many had been deliberately killed or injured while posing no imminent threat to Israeli soldiers and snipers.<\/p>\n

Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice delle Salesiane di Don Bosco<\/em>\u00a0reminded that 2018 marked the seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adding that the use of violence never led to peace, and that war only produced war. \u00a0The organization called for the adoption of the draft resolution and the redoubling of efforts to ensure dialogue, justice and peace.<\/p>\n

International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development VIDES\u00a0expressed deep concern for the deaths and thousands wounded in the violence that took place near the Gaza border on 14 May. \u00a0Consequently, violence only generated violence, war, and the loss of lives. \u00a0Lasting peace and justice would be possible only in the absence of hate, violence and war. \u00a0The Â鶹APP, since its establishment, together with civil society actors, had always worked for peace, security and development. \u00a0However, none of these would be attainable without the respect of human dignity and the promotion of human rights for all, whatever their religion and identity.<\/p>\n

ADALAH \u2013 Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel\u00a0said since 30 March, the Israeli military had responded to the demonstrators near the Gaza fence with lethal and excessive force, which had resulted to date in the killing of 86 people taking part in the demonstrations, including 12 children, two journalists, and the wounding of approximately 11,000. \u00a0According to medical reports, 93 per cent of the fatally wounded were shot in the upper body with 45 per cent shot in the head, face and neck. \u00a0Additionally, dangerous types of \u201cexplosive\u201d bullets were used by the military, designed to cause massive wounds and irreparable damage.<\/p>\n

Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, in a joint statement, said Hamas, the terrorist group that ruled Gaza with severe brutality, bragged, in Arabic, about the true nature of the events happening at the fence between Gaza and Israel. \u00a0They acknowledged that many, indeed most, of the dead were Hamas terrorists. \u00a0They had shown videos of themselves breaching the fence with machetes yelling about slaughtering the Jews who lived hundreds of meters away from the fence in peaceful farming communities in Israel.<\/p>\n

Action on the Resolution on Violations of International Law in the Context of Large-scale Civilian Protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a resolution (A\/HRC\/S-28\/L.1<\/strong>) on\u00a0violations of international law in the context of large-scale civilian protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem<\/strong>, the Council condemns the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians, including in the context of peaceful protests, particularly in the Gaza Strip; calls for an immediate cessation of all attacks, incitement and violence against civilians throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; calls\u00a0<\/em>on all parties to ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful and to abstain from actions that could endanger the lives of civilians; decides to urgently dispatch an independent, international commission of inquiry, to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council, to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the context of the military assaults on the large-scale civilian protests that began on 30 March 2018, to establish the facts and circumstances, to identify those responsible, to make recommendations, in particular on accountability measures, and to present an oral update to the Council at its thirty-ninth session and a final, written report at its fortieth session; calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, and all relevant parties to cooperate fully with the commission of inquiry and facilitate its access, requests the cooperation, as appropriate, of other relevant Â鶹APP bodies with the commission of inquiry to carry out its mission, and requests the assistance of the Secretary-General and the Â鶹APP High Commissioner for Human Rights in this regard.<\/p>\n

The results of the vote were as follows:<\/p>\n

In favour\u00a0(29): Afghanistan, Angola, Belgium, Brazil, Burundi, Chile, China, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.<\/p>\n

Against\u00a0(2): Australia and United States.<\/p>\n

Abstentions\u00a0(14): Croatia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Panama, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Slovakia, Switzerland, Togo and United Kingdom.<\/p>\n

Pakistan, speaking \u00a0on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with the exception of Albania, introducing draft resolution S-28 on the violations of international law in the context of large-scale civilian protests in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, said the intention of the resolution was to investigate the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in all occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, which had begun in March 2018. \u00a0The operative part of the draft resolution condemned the indiscriminate use of force, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and called for an imminent cessation of all violence. \u00a0The draft resolution called upon the Human Rights Council to establish a commission of inquiry with the aim of investigating all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to identify those responsible, to make recommendations in view of accountability and criminal responsibility, and to present an oral update at its thirty-ninth session and a final written report on its fortieth session. \u00a0The Organization of Islamic Cooperation urged the Member States of the Human Rights Council to adopt the resolution.<\/p>\n

United States, in a general comment, strongly opposed the draft resolution and called for a vote on it. \u00a0The draft resolution was another example of biased attitude towards Israel, which called into question the credibility of the Human Rights Council. \u00a0Without any blame cast on Hamas, the draft resolution was biased, unacceptable, and simply wrong. \u00a0There already was an agenda item devoted to a single country. \u00a0The draft resolution would do nothing to promote human rights, but would do everything to keep the politicization for which the Council had become so notable. \u00a0The United States would, thus, vote against the draft resolution and called on others to do the same.<\/p>\n

South Africa, in a general comment, said it was reminded of how sleek and sleazy the Apartheid regime was in justifying atrocities. \u00a0South Africa supported the draft resolution and called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry, which had become an effective manner to address emerging human rights crises everywhere in the world. \u00a0It could not be that the mechanism was only devoted to settling geopolitical scores. \u00a0The Council should not pick and choose to which countries it was applied. \u00a0Commissions of inquiry were tried and tested, and above all proportionate. \u00a0Those were legitimate mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. \u00a0It was in the best interest of Palestinians and Israelis to finally find peace.<\/p>\n

Israel, speaking as a concerned country, said today, this Council had served for hours a floor for incitement and spreading lies against Israel. \u00a0Hours spent on naming and shaming Israel. \u00a0Five hours of ludicrous statements and alleged human rights recommendations, made by some of the worse human rights violators. \u00a0Hours spent on blaming Israel for protecting its citizens from a blood-thirsty terrorist organization. \u00a0Israel urged the Council members to take the opportunity to act with morality, not to succumb to political manipulations of the facts, and not to allow the Council to become a playground for human rights abusers. \u00a0Despite the facts presented to the Council, it chose to reward Hamas\u2019s terror. \u00a0It preferred to support the Palestinians\u2019 de-legitimization effort rather than constructive dialogue with Israel.<\/p>\n

Throughout the entire escalation of events, Israel had always acted with maximum restraint, fully committed to international law. \u00a0There was no need for a Â鶹APP mandated commission of inquiry, nor for any other external investigative body to determine what was already being investigated by the State of Israel, in a transparent, credible and prompt manner. \u00a0Hamas was the aggressor and the one committing war crimes. \u00a0It was time to open the eyes and mind to the truth. The resolution made no mention of Palestinian violence and incitement. \u00a0It entirely disregarded Israel\u2019s right and legal duty to defend its citizens. \u00a0Unfortunately, the automatic anti-Israeli majority of the Council would once again prevail and the resolution would be adopted. \u00a0But this would not change anything on the ground. \u00a0Israel would continue to defend its citizens.<\/p>\n

Palestine, speaking as a concerned country, said while following some of the observations, there was a feeling that it was Palestine that was occupying Israel. \u00a0Was this a joke? \u00a0Was it possible to watch Palestinians being killed for over 50 years, with the pretext that Israel was defending itself? \u00a0What had happened on 30 of March and until today were deliberate killings. \u00a0These acts were war crimes and crimes against humanity. \u00a0Peaceful demonstrations were an absolute right of all peoples. \u00a0The Council should set up an independent, international commission of inquiry to go and check the false claims by Israel \u2013 claims perpetrated from the very beginning. \u00a0Israel was trying to control the entire world under the pretext that it was acting under self-defence. \u00a0Palestinians wanted peace, and peace was based on a two-State solution, where the Palestinian people could exercise their right to self-determination and with East Jerusalem as its capital.<\/p>\n

Law was not negotiable. \u00a0Law was a set of imperative rules that must be implemented. \u00a0Palestinians were ready to shoulder their responsibilities \u2013 if there were any allegations that they had acted not in accordance with the law, Palestinians were ready to be subjected to an investigation. \u00a0However, they did not trust an Israeli investigation, due to so many incidents \u2013 including the 1993 incident whereby an Israeli who had killed 55 Palestinians, had been excused, on the grounds that he had psychological problems. \u00a0Was it possible that all Israelis had a psychological problem? Perhaps they should be helped.<\/p>\n

Belgium, in an explanation of the vote before the vote, made also on behalf of Spain and Slovenia, said that the convening of the special session was timely and appropriate, adding that Belgium was appalled by the excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians. \u00a0Nevertheless, Hamas and protest leaders should also ensure that protests were peaceful. \u00a0Belgium would have preferred a reference in the draft resolution to the legitimate right of Israel to defend itself through the use of proportionate force. \u00a0But that omission was no reason to reject the draft resolution.<\/p>\n

Germany, in an explanation of the vote before the vote, made also on behalf of Croatia and Slovakia, expressed concern about the recent killings in the Gaza Strip. \u00a0The dreadful health situation in Gaza required facilitated entry of medical personnel and medicines. \u00a0Germany in that sense commended Egypt for having opened an entry to Gaza. \u00a0While recognizing its right to protect its borders, Germany urged Israel to use proportionate force, and to refrain from using lethal force against unarmed civilians. \u00a0Hamas and protest leaders should ensure that protests remained non-violent. \u00a0Germany regretted that the draft resolution did not reflect the role of non-State actors in Gaza, and it would thus abstain from voting.<\/p>\n

Australia, in an explanation of the vote before the vote, said it was concerned that the language of the draft resolution prejudged the outcome of the inquiry. \u00a0Australia was of the opinion that the inquiry must also acknowledge the role of Hamas, which was not mentioned at all. \u00a0Furthermore, the draft resolution did not just cover Gaza where the events had occurred and the time period during which it had occurred, but had an unlimited time period and all areas. \u00a0Australia was very concerned that it was not independent and impartial. \u00a0For these reasons it would vote against it.<\/p>\n

Hungary, in an explanation of the vote before the vote, said the draft resolution was one-sided and did not address the concerns of the European Union nor adequately address all key parties to the conflict. \u00a0The Human Rights Council should deal with human rights and try to maintain a balance. \u00a0Hungary was of the belief that while Israeli security forces must restrain from the use of force, and that the Palestinian right to protest was undeniable, throwing Molotov cocktails was not considered peaceful. \u00a0Those inciting violence directly and knowingly put civilians at risk, and therefore were murderers and terrorists. \u00a0The responsibility of all parties should be investigated. \u00a0This included Hamas, which was considered as a terrorist organization by the European Union.<\/p>\n

United Kingdom, in an explanation of the vote before the vote, said more than 100 Palestinians had been killed in the protests in Gaza. \u00a0This loss of life was tragic and concerning. \u00a0The United Kingdom had also expressed concern that Hamas and Islamic Jihad had acknowledged that a substantial number of deaths were their militants. \u00a0The United Kingdom could not support a resolution that was partial and imbalanced. \u00a0Such investigations heightened the risk on both sides. \u00a0Therefore, the United Kingdom would abstain from voting. \u00a0The United Kingdom called directly on Israel to carry out an independent inquiry into the events.<\/p>\n

The Council then adopted draft resolution L.1 by a vote of 29 in favour, two against, and 14 abstentions.<\/p>\n

Mexico, in an explanation of the vote after the vote, considered that the Council had to promptly examine emergencies, such as the one in Gaza. \u00a0Members of the Council had the responsibility to cooperate and to adopt adequate measures to guarantee the protection of the civil population, especially boys and girls. \u00a0It was fundamental that the mandate of the commission of inquiry was not prejudiced, and that it was balanced, impartial and exhaustive in order to come up with balanced conclusions. \u00a0The commission of inquiry should investigate actions by all sides.<\/p>\n

__________<\/p>\n

For use of the information media; not an official record<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

fran\u00e7ais AFTERNOON Decides to Dispatch an Independent, International Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Human Rights Violations in the Context of Large-Scale Civilian Protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory GENEVA (18 May 2018) – The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted a resolution in which it decided to dispatch an independent, international commission of inquiry to […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[2433,1329],"document-source":[1602],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2517,2977,1829,5358,2005,1741,1857,2365,2309,5033],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-136481","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-french-text","document-category-press-release","document-source-human-rights-council","document-subject-access-and-movement","document-subject-boundaries-and-demarcation-lines","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-ClosuresCurfewsBlockades","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-incidents","document-subject-international-presence","document-subject-protection","document-subject-protests","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/136481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/136481\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=136481"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=136481"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=136481"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=136481"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=136481"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=136481"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=136481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}