STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR MOHD FAIZAL RAZALI
REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
AT THE FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE GENERAL DEBATE ON
ITEM 47 – ISRAELI PRACTICES AND SETTLEMENT ACTIVITIES AFFECTING THE RIGHTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE AND OTHER ARABS OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
10 NOVEMBER 2022, NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
2. My delegation would also like to thank the Chair of the Special Committee and Assistant Secretary General of the OHCHR for presenting their respective reports to the Committee.
3. The reports clearly tell the true reality on the ground that the living conditions of Palestinians and Syrians in the occupied territories is undeniably appalling. These reports in addition to the volume of reports produced by the Special Committee and other UN bodies as well as CSOs have shown a clear message of deepening continuous violations and atrocities committed by the occupying power and its illegal settlers. The continuous systematic oppression through discriminatory policies, denial of basic human rights, inhumane acts as well as confiscation of their land and property are also tantamount to the crime of apartheid.
Mr. Chair,
4. Malaysia is gravely concerned that the situation on the ground continues to worsen without a durable resolution in sight. The year 2022 has been described as one of the horrific years especially in the most recent weeks. The highest number of Palestinian fatalities including children were recorded in the West Bank, compared to the same period in the past 16 years. We are also alarmed with the intensification of illegal settler violence and attacks against Palestinians resulting in deaths, injuries and/or property damage. It was also reported that incidents of violence and attacks by illegal settlers are often carried out with the support and in complicit of the occupying forces.
5. The world cannot remain silent and indisposed. The international community must assume its responsibility and ensure protection to the Palestinian people as well as to hold the perpetrators accountable. The international community must defend, protect and upheld international law. Israel's continued impunity including its illegal settlers is untenable and undermines past international efforts to ensure accountability against war crimes and crimes against humanity.
6. The occupying power continued dereliction of its obligation is a disrespect and an abuse of international law. It also further undermines the political horizon. The intractable attitude also reflects its unwillingness to work towards a just solution for lasting peace in the region. Malaysia calls on the international community to urge Israel to end its illegal settler-colonial occupation and apartheid regime, in accordance with international law, international humanitarian law and relevant UN resolutions including Security Council resolution 904 and resolution 2334.
7. Malaysia also calls on the international community to uphold and implement the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and Security Council with regard to the Occupied Syrian Golan.
Mr. Chair,
8. Malaysia is fully committed to the plight of the Palestinian people and will continue to work towards the realisation of their inalienable rights to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty. We firmly believe that the only solution to this endless conflict is through peaceful means with the realisation of a two-state solution based on the pre -1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine. We also support the call to seek guidance from the principal judicial organ of the United Nations on the legal consequences of the prolonged violation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, occupation, settlement and annexation of the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and its discriminatory legislation and measures.
9. In addition, Malaysia continues to support the work of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) in providing assistance to Palestinian refugees including through predictable funding. We remain committed to providing the necessary means in securing the safety, protection, and well-being of the Palestinian people.
Mr. Chair,
10. It is high time for the international community to correct the wrong and recognise the statehood of Palestine, with full membership in the United Nations. The inconsistency, unfair treatment and injustice has persisted too long. The seventy - four years of suffering and indignity have to end. The Palestinian people deserve to live freely in peace, dignity and prosperity as the rightful member of this community of nations.
I thank you.