UNHRC action in occupied Palestinian territory must: Momen

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has stressed that the United Nations Human Rights Council must take decisive action towards ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

He made the remark while addressing a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Palestine issue held on Thursday (May 27).

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is set to hold a special session Thursday to discuss the “grave human rights situation” in occupied Palestinian territories.

Expressing strong condemnation for the illegal and belligerent actions by Israel, the Foreign Minister said that Israel must end its continued illegal occupation, unlawful settlement activities and annexation.

He regretted that impunity and subdued response of international community only emboldened the occupying forces.

“The recent ceasefire must not be an excuse for us to cast off the weight of responsibility from our shoulders,” he continued.

Highlighting the importance of accountability and justice, Momen recommended ICC’s role as well as the council’s action including through a Commission of Inquiry. He also urged international community to render humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.

The Foreign Minister emphasised on a UN system-wide coordinated approach and meaningful action by the UN Security Council for a permanent solution of the crisis.

Momen participated in the Special Session of the HRC on the Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory convened Thursday afternoon.

Foreign Minister of Palestine, Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Namibia, Pakistan, Libya, Tunisia, Kuwait, Syria, Qatar, Egypt, Malaysia were among other Ministers who attended the event.