Statement by the Maldives during the Interactive Dialogue with the SR on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine
Than kyou Mr. Chairman,
The Maldives wishes to express its appreciation to the Special Rapporteur for the comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in Palestine, a distressing issue that continues after more than four decades. The Maldives regrets the approach of non-cooperation with the Rappoteur, adopted by Israel as the occupying power, in the compilation of the report.
As a firm believer in the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Maldives is disheartened by the continued suffering of the people of Palestine, who have been denied their very basic rights to self–determination, and the right to live, in peace and freedom, in their own State, their own homeland. The Maldives also supports the inalienable right of the people of Israel to live in peace and security alongside a sovereign and independent state of Palestine.
My Delegation also believes in establishing accountability and the pursuit of justice, over the clear violations of human rights and humanitarian law that have occurred in Gaza.
Thus, the Maldives seeks to clarify from the Special Rapporteur his views firstly, on what better role can the international legal bodies play in affirming the respect for rule of law internationally, especially in filling the very apparent gaps in international humanitarian law that contributes to maintaining the present culture of impunity and suffering in the occupied territories. Secondly, the Maldives wishes to raise concern over the aggravated suffering and hardship experienced especially by Palestinian women and children as distinct vulnerable social groups, and thus, seeks the Rapporteur’s views on incorporating such a perspective into his work. My Delegation believes that legitimacy for such a perspective can be drawn from existing principles and norms of international law.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
