STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON ITEM 38: THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE
AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
30 NOVEMBER 2022
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary General, and Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) for the reports.
2. Yesterday during the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we heard unequivocal calls from leaders, ministers, governments and CSOs; for a negotiated settlement towards a just and peaceful solution to the Question of Palestine. These are the same calls that we have been hearing in the past seven decades. Thus, it is unacceptable how the occupying power can be allowed to remain oblivious despite the numerous calls of the international community to end the illegal occupation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
3. It is further disturbing that the occupying power continues to defy the numerous Council resolutions. Surely, it is deplorable, that the cry from human rights violation keep falling not on deaf ears; but ears that selectively decide which victims get to be defended in the eyes of the world.
Mr. President,
4. Today in this Assembly, we heard the report from CEIRPP about the continued grave violations in the Palestinian land where forced evictions, demolitions, annexation and pillaging of natural resources are committed in broad daylight. This adds on to the many reports that have been issued through-out the years, including the one by the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in the Council on Monday. This creates a compendium ~ that collects, preserves and documents the serious crimes and abuses inflicted against Palestinian civilians.
5. Israeli systematic oppression of Palestinians and discriminatory policies are tantamount to the crimes of apartheid, and its settlements are illegal under international law. These heinous war crimes are not only committed in defiance of international law, but further undermines the prospect of achieving a viable and peaceful solution to the longstanding conflict. The year 2022 has been described as the bloodiest year in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem since 2005, with daily and continuous violations against Palestinian civilians including women and children. It will not be surprising if such crimes continue to intensify in the years to come due to the continued enjoyment of impunity by the occupying power and illegal settlers.
6. Malaysia calls on all Member States that believe in the rule of law and human rights not to shy away from denouncing Israeli illegal and inhumane actions. The international community must assume its responsibility in ensuring justice and accountability. The endless cycle of impunity must end and the perpetrators must face justice. The Palestinian people not only deserve but require our protection.
7. It behoves the Security Council, as the main custodian for the maintenance of international peace and security, to ensure Member States to comply and implement the relevant resolutions including resolutions 904 (1994) and 2334 (2016). To this end, Malaysia urges Member States to also support the call for the General Assembly requesting for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with focus on the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the inadmissibility of the acquisition of its territory by force, as enshrined in the UN Charter. Malaysia also urges the international community to support the call by Palestine to hold an international conference with full participation of all parties concerned towards achieving freedom, justice and dignity for the Palestinian people.
8. Malaysia also calls for Member States to support the work and mandate of UNRWA, which plays a pivotal and noble role in providing vital services and necessities to the Palestinian refugees.
9. Malaysia in all its ability and capacity will continue to extend our support to the Palestinian people in exercising their inalienable rights to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty that have long been denied. Malaysia strongly believes that full membership of Palestine in the UN will advance this legitimate, just and sustainable cause. Malaysia welcomes the signing of the Declaration of Algiers on 13 October 2022 and the commitment by all Palestinian parties towards reconciliation. We remain steadfast in our unwavering commitment to realise the two-State solution based on pre - 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine.
Thank you, Mr. President.