Human rights situation in the OPT – Third Cttee debate – Summary record (excerpts)

Third Committee

Summary record of the 32nd meeting

Held at Headquarters, New York, on Wednesday, 2 November 2005, at 9.30 a.m.

 Chairman:   Mr. Anshor (Vice-Chairman)  ………………………………………………………………. (Indonesia)

Contents

Agenda item 71: Human rights questions ( continued)*

(b)   Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms ( continued)*

(c)   Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives ( continued)*

(e)   Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (continued )*

*   Items which the Committee has decided to consider together.

  In the absence of Mr. Butagira (Uganda), Mr. Anshor (Indonesia), Vice-Chairman, took the Chair.

  The meeting was called to order at 9.55 a.m.

Agenda item 71: Human rights questions (continued ) (A/60/40, 44, 129, 336, 392 and 408)

 (b)   Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms (continued ) (A/60/134, 266, 272, 286, 299, 301 and Add.1, 305, 321, 326, 333, 338 and Corr.1, 339 and Corr.1, 340, 348, 350, 353, 357, 374, 384, 392, 399 and 431; A/C.3/60/3)

 (c)   Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives (continued ) (A/60/221, 271, 306, 324, 349, 354, 356, 359, 367, 370, 395, 422 and Corr.1)

 (e)   Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ( continued) (A/60/36 and 343)

…

25.  Mr. Hyassat (Jordan) …

…

28.   His delegation also commended the work of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. His excellent report (A/60/271) demonstrated that the Palestinian people were increasingly affected by Israel’s violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. His Government therefore called on the Israeli Government to fulfil its obligations under international law, including those put forward in the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of July 2004 on the legal consequences of the construction of the wall. While his delegation welcomed the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Israel remained subject to the Fourth Geneva Convention and was responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of Palestinians. The withdrawal should also be part of the road map and help the parties concerned to reach a just and lasting peace in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.

…

33.  Ms. Rasheed (Observer for Palestine) said that Israel continued to violate the human rights of the Palestinian people by killing and wounding civilians, including women and children, and by destroying homes and property. The continued restriction of movement had led to a further deterioration of the already dire economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people, affecting access to jobs, schools, health care, food and water.

34.   More than 8,000 Palestinians were being held in Israeli prisons or detention centres, where they lived in deplorable conditions and were subjected to physical abuse and even torture. Access to the outside world, including families and legal representation, was severely restricted.

35.   The Israeli occupation was, in and of itself, a grave violation of the rights of the Palestinian people, including their inalienable right to self-determination and freedom. Under international law, Palestinian civilians were considered protected persons and as an occupying Power, Israel was obligated to ensure their safety and well-being.

36.   The widespread destruction of hundreds of homes and properties had continued during the period under review, including in East Jerusalem. According to the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories (A/60/271, para. 29), the purpose of the destruction was to increase the Jewish population and undermine Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian State.

37.   The construction of the wall and the settlement campaign had also had catastrophic implications for human rights. Israeli settlers continued to torment Palestinians and destroy their lands with complete impunity, and had even beaten and terrorized Palestinian children on their way to school. Palestine called upon Israel to cease its construction of the wall and dismantle the existing parts, in accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

38.   Although the dismantling of Israeli settlements in Gaza was a significant step, the Israeli disengagement failed to recognize any Palestinian concerns and left many critical issues unresolved. Israel remained an occupying Power in Gaza and as such, was bound to the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention. It was time to reverse the human suffering caused by many years of occupation and continual Israeli assaults, and grant the Palestinian people their right to live in freedom, dignity, and peace.

…

39.  Mr. Southcott (Australia) …

…

42.   Australia welcomed Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, following which the Palestinian Authority must continue to reject violence and control terrorist activities. Australia urged all sides to sustain their efforts towards a two-State solution involving an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State which respected Israel’s security and right to exist.

…

48.   With regard to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Australia remained concerned about the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression, discrimination against women and minority groups, and deficiencies in the administration of justice. It was particularly alarmed at the execution of minors, including for “morality crimes”. The comment by the Iranian President that Israel should be “wiped off the map” was completely unacceptable and in contravention of the Charter.

…

The meeting rose at 12.35 p.m.

This record is subject to correction. Corrections should be sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned within one week of the date of publication to the Chief of the Official Records Editing Section, room DC2-750, 2 United Nations Plaza, and incorporated in a copy of the record.

Corrections will be issued after the end of the session, in a separate corrigendum for each Committee.