Third Committee Approves Draft Resolution “Right of the Palestinian People to Self‑determination” – Press Release (GA/SHC/4335)

SEVENTY-SIXTH SESSION, 7TH MEETING (AM)
GA/SHC/4335
5 NOVEMBER 2021

Français  

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) sent 13 draft resolutions to the General Assembly today covering a range of social development issues, from the right to self-determination for Palestinians and freedom of religion, to the report of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and matters of crime prevention and criminal justice.

The draft resolution on the right of the Palestinian people to self‑determination — approved by a recorded vote of 158 in favour, to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States) with 10 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo, Tonga) — received the most attention, with the representative of Egypt, introducing the draft on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stressing that all States have the right to live in peace within internationally recognized borders.

By the text, the Assembly would reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to an independent State, urging all States and specialized United Nations agencies and organizations to support them in the early realization of the right to self‑determination.

Before the vote, Israel’s representative said the draft goes beyond the Third Committee’s purview and his delegation would therefore vote against it.  He invited Member States to consider other approaches to resolving the question of Palestine, as traditional ones do not work.

/…

The Committee then took up the draft resolution titled “Report of the Human Rights Council” (document A/C.3/76/L.62), which the Chair noted has no programme budget implications.

/…

The representative of Israel, in explanation of vote, said his delegation called for a recorded vote as it has strong reservations on the merit of the Human Rights Council and its ability to provide objective recommendations.  It should be guided by the principles of impartiality and non-selectivity, he said, voicing concern over the establishment of yet another Commission of Inquiry on Israel.  “If one would not know any better, one might think that the Council is unhappy by the existence of the State of Israel,” he asserted.

/…

The Committee then considered the draft resolution titled, “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” (document A/C.3/76/L.46).

The representative of Egypt, introducing draft resolution “L.46” on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed regret that Palestinians continue to suffer under Israel’s occupation.  The draft resolution aims to support Palestinians’ right to self-determination, preserve the integrity of their territories and end the occupation.  It also reaffirms the right of all States to live in peace within internationally recognized borders, while supporting Palestinians in their early realization of the right to self-determination.

The representative of Israel, in explanation of the vote before the vote, said his delegation would vote against the draft resolution as it goes beyond the mandate of the Third Committee.  He invited Member States to consider other approaches to resolving the question of Palestine, as traditional ones do not work.

Draft resolution “L.46” was then approved by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 10 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo, Tonga).

By the text, the Assembly would reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine, and urge all States and specialized United Nations agencies and organizations to continue to support them in the early realization of this right.

The representative of Argentina, reaffirmed support for Palestinians’ right to self-determination, stressing that their territory should be aligned with the 1967 borders.  Recognition of the State would promote negotiations towards an end of the conflict, he added.

The representative of Iran pointed to the deteriorating situation of Palestinians under Israel’s regime, noting that its use of lethal force violated international law.  He also drew attention to Israel’s destructive policies that threaten peace and security in the region, adding that the return of refugees is the most efficient way to promote the rights of Palestinians.

/…

For information media. Not an official record.