STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
AT THE SECOND COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNGA
ON AGENDA ITEM 58: PERMANENT SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PALESTINIAN
PEOPLE IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST
JERUSALEM AND OF THE ARAB POPULATION IN THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN
GOLAN OVER THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES
17 OCTOBER 2022
Madam Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Pakistan on behalf of the G77 and China.
2. My delegation also wishes to thank the UN Secretary-General for his report on the agenda item.
3. It is a matter of concern, that year after year, the Secretary-General’s report continues to highlight persistent human rights violations perpetrated by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Occupied Syrian Golan. The affected Palestinian and Syrian populations continue to suffer from the detrimental consequences of this illegal occupation, aggression and atrocities on multi-aspects of their living conditions.
Madam Chair,
4. The systematic oppression of Palestinians over many years through discriminatory policies, denial of basic human rights, imposition of harsh living conditions, inhumane acts as well as confiscation of their lands and properties are tantamount to the crime of apartheid and clearly inconsistent with the pursuit of peace and peaceful co-existence.
5. The restricted access and movement, as well as closures imposed by the occupying forces continue to disrupt the daily life of Palestinians. This has profound effects on other rights, including the right to work, adequate standard of living, education and health. We must not turn a blind eye to the situation befalling the Palestinian population. The international community must not disregard the continued, unabated and unlawful practices conducted by the occupier and illegal settlers against the fundamental rights, lives, livelihood and dignity of the Palestinians of all faiths in their own land.
6. Malaysia urges the international community to call upon Israel to immediately end its occupation of Palestinian territories, cease its apartheid practices and immediately comply with all relevant UN resolutions. Malaysia further calls for the return to meaningful negotiations based on the two-state solution.
Madam Chair,
7. At every opportunity, we have heard delegations reminding one another how vital it is to realise the SDGs and that we must leave no one behind. It would be meaningless if our Palestinian and Syrian brethren that face daily hardships and oppressions are left behind. We need to intensify efforts in mobilising assistance for them as we progress towards sustainable recovery and building back better.
8. In this regard, Malaysia calls upon all Member States to continue to support and fund the critical work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by contributing generously to the Agency. Last year, Malaysia renewed its commitment by pledging a long-term contribution of USD 1 million throughout the period of five years in support of predictable and sustainable funding for UNRWA. The Agency is an instrumental partner in the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for the Palestinians.
Madam Chair,
9. In the occupied Syrian Golan, Israel continues to implement a multi-year plan to illegally develop and expand agriculture in the occupied Syrian Golan. Many are under development, whereby Israeli settlers have unlawfully seized and exploited large land areas for agricultural purposes. The continued imposition of discriminatory practices with regard to access to water further undermine agricultural activities of the Syrian citizens in the occupied territory. This further aggravates the economic conditions of the Syrian population.
10. Israel must cease immediately all of its unlawful activities in the occupied Syrian Golan. Malaysia reiterates its longstanding position that the Golan Heights belong to Syria and thus, must be returned to Syria.
Madam Chair,
11. Malaysia will continue to actively play our role in various regional and multilateral fora to engage, influence and pursue all relevant channels to find a just, sustainable, comprehensive and peaceful settlement affecting the Palestinian and Syrian people in the occupied territories. My delegation calls upon other Member States to join us in this regard. The deafening silence on systematic violations by the occupying forces on the rights of the Palestinian and Syrian people including over their natural resources would only embolden impunity and suggest double standards on the part of the international community.
I thank you.