Fourth Committee Approves Texts Relating to Gibraltar, Special Political Missions as It Concludes Debates on Israeli Practices, Peacekeeping Operations
Unanimously approving a draft resolution on special political missions today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) also concluded its general debate on Israel’s practices in occupied Arab territories, with delegations condemning its blockade of the Gaza Strip, violence by settlers and other human rights violations.
Acting without a vote, the Committee approved a draft resolution, presented by Mexico’s representative, titled “Comprehensive review of special political missions” (document A/C.4/70/L.14), by which the General Assembly would request that the Secretary-General hold regular, inclusive and interactive dialogue on overall policy matters pertaining to special political missions. The Assembly would further request that the Secretary-General submit to its seventy-first session a report on those policy matters, including efforts towards improving transparency, accountability, geographical representation, gender participation, expertise and effectiveness in respect of all special political missions.
Also without a vote, the Committee approved a draft decision titled “Question of Gibraltar” (document A/C.4/70/L.5). By its terms, the General Assembly would urge Spain and the United Kingdom — while listening to the interests and aspirations of Gibraltar, legitimate under international law — to reach a definitive solution to the question of Gibraltar, in light of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and applicable principles, and in the spirit of the Brussels Declaration of 27 November 1984.
The morning began with the Committee continuing its general debate on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of Palestinians and other Arabs of the occupied territories.
The representative of the Maldives said that Israel’s national policies constituted a system of apartheid that had already affected generations. The blockade of Gaza was collective punishment of a people who “has already been beaten into the ground”, he said, emphasizing that the creation of a destitute people dependent on foreign aid was the direct result of military occupation, through which Israel perpetuated a cycle of hatred, fear and violence. “Occupation is not and has never been the solution, but rather a force that feeds upon itself while destroying communities’ ability to do anything more than simply survive,” he added.
Similarly, Nicaragua’s representative pointed out that Palestinians could not devote themselves to social development if their primary concern was to survive while the international community remained passive. The State of Palestine continued to face a criminal blockade that was “choking the life” out of its people, who lived in subhuman conditions, unable to meet basic needs, such as health or housing. The Palestinian economy, especially in Gaza, was an occupied economy, from the illegal occupation of lands and natural resources to the denial of free movement, the confinement of citizens and the daily destruction of infrastructure. In addition, the precarious situation in East Jerusalem called for the international community to prevent further escalation and put an end to the incitement of violence and extremism on the basis of religion, he stressed.
Egypt’s representative agreed, saying that recent acts against worshippers in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif Mosque constituted an attack against Muslims all over the world and helped to strengthen the hand of terrorist and extremist organizations in deluding Muslim youth.
Other speakers in the debate included representatives of Saudi Arabia (on behalf of the Arab Group), the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, South Africa, Kuwait, Algeria and Ecuador.
Speaking in exercise of the right of reply were representatives of Israel, Syria, Iran and the State of Palestine.
Also concluded today was the general debate on peacekeeping operations, with the Committee hearing from representatives of the Republic of Korea, Nepal and Bangladesh.
The Fourth Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 17 November, to take action on a number of outstanding drafts.
Background
Continuing its consideration of Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, the Committee had before it a number of related documents. (See Press Release GA/SPD/601 of 11 November for more information.)
Expected to conclude its general debate on peacekeeping operations, Committee members also had a number of relevant documents before them. (See Press Release GA/SPD/594 of 30 October.)
The Committee was also expected to take action on draft resolutions titled “Question of Gibraltar” (document A/C.4/70/L.5) and “Comprehensive review of special political missions” (document A/C.4/70/L.14).
Statements
ABDALLAH AL-MOUALLIMI (Saudi Arabia), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, expressed concern over the dangerous escalation of violence, the provocative measures taken by Israeli occupying forces and “terrorist” settlers against Palestinians since the beginning of October, and their continuing violations of human rights. A special meeting of Arab foreign ministers held in Riyadh had adopted resolution 7608, demanding protection for Palestinians and the prosecution of acts of terror, as well as the commission of war crimes by settlers, he said. Those crimes, including systematic murder, the expansion of settlements and ethnic cleansing, must be severely punished. Israel continued to use lethal force against Palestinians, detaining women and children, practising torture and abusing prisoners. Even pregnant women and children had been killed in cold blood, he said.
Emphasizing that all such “terrorist actions” must be categorically condemned, the Israeli Government held accountable under criminal law and the perpetrators brought to justice, he went on to note that settlers continued to desecrate both Muslim and Christian holy sites, illegal actions that must not be disregarded. Meanwhile, Israel continued to demolish the homes of Palestinians and to expel their owners. Its policies of racial discrimination, apartheid and settlement expansion were a serious threat to peace and disregarded the will of the international community. Noting that some Governments had taken steps to prevent the purchase of goods produced in the occupied territories, he encouraged others to take similar action.
He went on to note that Israeli occupying forces continued their unjustified blockade of Gaza, the severe impact of which had exacerbated poverty and unemployment in the enclave and restricted all means of survival. Recalling that Israel’s 2014 aggression against Gaza had resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and destroyed thousands of homes, including certain United Nations infrastructure, he said the growing number of Palestinian victims demonstrated that the occupying authority had not lived up to its responsibility to protect them. The Arab Group appealed for their protection by the international community in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention, he said, reiterating the Group’s support for Palestine and calling upon the occupying Power to respect all signed agreements and relevant international resolutions. The Arab Group also called for a timetable for ending the occupation and for Israel to withdraw to the 4 June 1967 border in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
NAEEMA ALMUSHARRAKH (United Arab Emirates), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Arab Group, called upon the international community to exert pressure on Israel to allow members of the Special Committee entry into the occupied territories and to cooperate with them, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions. The Special Committee’s report documented Israel’s illegal demolition of Palestinian homes, its confiscation of Palestinian land and its forcible transfer of families in the West Bank, especially East Jerusalem. Among other things, it found that Israeli authorities intentionally obstructed the delivery of international humanitarian aid to Palestinians affected by its actions. She said her delegation was deeply concerned about the increase in Israel’s illegal actions and serious violations, which had created the current explosive situation in the Palestinian territories, and denounced all those practices that contravened human rights law and international humanitarian law. She urged the United Nations to respond to the numerous calls to provide protection for the Palestinian people and their property, and to take all necessary actions to end Israel’s provocations and illegal actions. The Security Council and the Middle East Quartet, as well as all their regional partners, must do everything in their power to save the peace process, she emphasized, adding that her delegation demanded the implementation of a two-State solution.
MALEEHA LODHI (Pakistan), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement, noted that Israel continued with its policy of non-cooperation with the Special Committee and persisted in refusing access to international bodies seeking to investigate and verify the situation on the ground. Innocent Palestinian civilians, including women and children, continued to suffer brutal repression. The devastation of Gaza had exacerbated the suffering of the Palestinian people and the illegal eight-year-old blockade was seriously hampering rebuilding efforts. The practice of meting out collective punishment also continued, despite its obvious futility, she said. The tragic case of Abdel Rahman, a 13-year-old ninth grader at a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) school who had been shot dead by Israeli forces on 5 October, was just the latest grim reminder of heavy-handed practices by the occupation forces. New discriminatory legislation targeting Palestinian minors imposed a mandatory minimum penalty of four years’ imprisonment for stone-throwing. Such mental and physical persecution of Palestinian youth would only engender more violence and aggravate their sense of despondency, she warned.
MAHLATSE MMINELE (South Africa), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, reiterated his country’s condemnation of violence in all its forms, regardless of who perpetrated it. Denouncing all attempts to change the decades-long status quo in the Holy Land, he said it had preserved mutual respect for the Holy Sites of the world’s three major monotheistic religions. South Africa also condemned Israel’s ongoing settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories because any further construction would seriously undermine a two-State solution and threaten the viability and territorial contiguity of the future Palestinian State. Nevertheless, the construction of illegal settlements continued despite the international community’s condemnation. He emphasized the urgent need to lift the illegal blockade on Gaza, which continued to exacerbate the already dire socioeconomic and humanitarian situation there. South Africa reiterated its support for a two-State solution whereby the States of Israel and Palestine would coexist side by side on the basis of the 4 June 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
ABDULAZIZ AL JARALLAH (Kuwait), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Arab Group, said Israel’s aggression against the people of Palestine and other Arabs in occupied territories had led to severe economic deprivation and violations of human rights. Israel’s actions demonstrated its intransigence and failure to respect the relevant international resolutions. In addition, the destruction caused by the 2014 Israeli aggression against Gaza had created a substantial challenge. Kuwait reaffirmed its support and unwavering position with regard to the Palestinian people’s right to form an independent and sovereign State. Palestinian prisoners and detainees must be released, he emphasized, adding that an international fact-finding mission must be sent to Israeli prisons to ensure that they were in compliance with international law. In addition, the blockade of Gaza must end. He concluded by saying that Kuwait supported Palestine’s request to be admitted as a full Member State of the United Nations, and stressed that Israel must comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions.
JASSER JIMÉNEZ (Nicaragua), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that, in the midst of meetings on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the State of Palestine continued to face a criminal blockade that was “choking the life” out of its people, who were living in subhuman conditions, unable to meet basic needs such as health or housing. He asked how they would be able to reach the Sustainable Development Goals without the economic or political space currently occupied by Israel. The Palestinian economy, especially in Gaza, was an occupied economy, from the illegal occupation of lands and natural resources to the denial of free movement, the confinement of citizens and the daily destruction of infrastructure. Palestinians could not devote themselves to social development if their primary concern was to survive while the international community remained passive, he emphasized. The precarious situation in East Jerusalem called for the international community to prevent further escalation and put an end to the incitement of violence and extremism on the basis of religion. Reiterating his delegation’s solidarity with Palestinians, their fight to freedom and their right to development, he said Nicaragua advocated for two States living side by side, in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
LARBI DJACTA (Algeria), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Arab Group, recalled that the Special Committee had faced difficulties in its work due to Israel’s refusal to allow it access to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Israel had been violating the human rights of Palestinians for several generations, he said, citing “devilish” thinking on the occupying Power’s part. The siege of Gaza — which had become an “open prison” for Palestinians — was yet another criminal act carried out by Israel, he said. Solutions to the conflict were available, but they required an immediate end to the occupation and the empowerment of Palestinians to establish their own sovereign and independent State.
MINA RIZK (Egypt), associating himself with the Arab Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, expressed particular concern about current settlement activities in the occupied territories. He cited the findings detailed in the Special Committee’s report regarding Israeli settlements, which stated that a record 4,485 tenders had been issued from January to December 2014, the highest number in a decade. Settlement activities in the occupied territories were rapidly destroying all chances to reach a two-State solution, a problem compounded by the recent violent actions of settlers, he warned, condemning all violence against civilians. The recent acts against worshippers in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif Mosque constituted an attack against Muslims all over the world and helped to strengthen the hand of terrorist and extremist organizations in deluding Muslim youth. Additionally, the crisis in the Syrian Golan and its continuing occupation must be remembered, he stressed, calling upon Israel, the occupying Power, to withdraw immediately.
JOSÉ EDUARDO PROAÑO (Ecuador), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said the reports before the Committee pointed to clear violations of human rights by Israel and demonstrated the double standard that continued to characterize the work of the United Nations on many issues. Furthermore, the reports showed that the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council continued to be grievously undermined. Israel’s use of disproportionate force against civilians, its continuing blockade of Gaza and other rights violations had become routine, and the international community lacked the ability to deal with them, he said. The international community, including Israel, should consider whether the use of disproportionate force had really created security in the Middle East and whether the occupying force had really been able to forge peace with the Arab world. The answer was clear: the use of force had only helped to create mistrust and tension in the region and to sew anguish among its people. “No one wins, all are losers,” he said, calling for Israel to end its occupation immediately and for the creation of a viable and sovereign State of Palestine. To those ends, the parties should resume negotiations as soon as possible, he added.
AHMED SAREER (Maldives) said Israel’s national policies were blatantly and consistently in violation of international law and constituted a system of apartheid that had already affected generations. The blockade of Gaza was collective punishment of a people who “has already been beaten into the ground”, he said, emphasizing that there was no justification for the further deprivation of assistance to that population. The creation of a destitute people dependent on foreign aid was the direct result of military occupation, through which Israel perpetuated a cycle of hatred, fear and violence. The State was directly responsible for systematic violations of fundamental rights, including through the demolition of homes, forced displacements, the use of excessive force, illegal confiscations, condoning settler violence, and arbitrary arrests and detentions. “Occupation is not and has never been the solution, but rather a force that feeds upon itself while destroying communities’ ability to do anything more than simply survive,” he stressed, calling upon Israel to end the decades of injustice, violence and hatred.
Right of Reply
The representative of Israel, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said that, every year, the Committee held “this absurd session” which demonstrated delegations’ superficial knowledge of the subject. The Special Committee’s report was distorted compared to the reality on the ground, presenting half-truths and manipulating reality, he said, adding that its only contribution was destructive. In response to the repeated lies uttered in the room, Israel sought to set the record straight. If Lebanon’s representative was concerned about Palestinian human rights, he should take a look at the refugee camps in his own country, where refugees were kept in some of the worst conditions and subjected to discrimination, she said, noting also that Hezbollah was part of the Lebanese Government and made up half of the Cabinet.
Of the representative of the State of Palestine, she asked why the Palestinian Authority was refusing to return to the negotiation table. Israel remained committed to a two-State solution, but the Palestinian Authority avoided that question and made outrageous accusations against Israel, for example, those referring to organ-harvesting. The Palestinian Authority avoided any responsibility for its own people by refusing to return to Gaza and failing to return to direct negotiations. Turning to Syria, she asked how the representative of a brutal regime could believe it had the right to lecture others. He had taken the floor on behalf of a regime that had systematically used chlorine against its own citizens, she said. To the representatives of Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Iran, she expressed the wish that their citizens could enjoy the human rights they were advocating at the United Nations.
The representative of Syria, also speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said Israel’s representative had taken the floor to distract the Committee from the crimes committed on a daily basis in the occupied territories. Syria was surprised that the representative of the occupying Power had spoken of human rights and resuming peace negotiations, whereas its forces had “probably set a Guinness world record” of violations, preventing human rights activists and organizations from gaining access to the occupied territories and doing their jobs. Such actions included preventing the Special Committee from entering East Jerusalem. He asked whether all statements made during the current session had been politicized, as Israel’s representative had stated, and whether they included declarations by States considered friends of Israel. The representative of the occupying force should look at the reality of its violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, which were well documented, he emphasized. She should look at the fact that the occupying forces killed women, children and the elderly every day, and ordered the demolition of homes. She should look at the policy of discrimination practised daily against Palestinians and other Arabs who were suffering under the yoke of occupation. However, she did not wish to hear about those realities, but that was nothing new because Israel had embraced murder and violations of human rights as a systematic, everyday policy, he said.
The observer for the State of Palestine, speaking in exercise of the right of reply in response to Israel’s representative, said her delegation stood by its statement to the Committee and the letters conveyed to United Nations bodies, including the General Assembly. Its statement contained facts, without propaganda, about the real suffering, trauma, terror and tragedies endured every single day by Palestinian people under Israel’s nearly half-century-old occupation. Israel’s representative continued to ignore that and refused to address it in any way, no less in the context of international law. The reports of the Special Committee and the Secretary-General reflected facts amassed by credible bodies.
The representative of Iran, also speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said the Israeli regime was “a child-killing regime” shedding crocodile tears over human rights in some countries, including his own. Instead, the Israeli regime should answer the Special Committee as to why it had attacked Gaza in 2014, killing more than 2,200 Palestinians, demolishing 25,000 houses and displacing more than half a million Palestinians. There had been a significant delay in reconstruction efforts since the ceasefire due to Israeli aggression against Gaza and the Palestinian people. He noted that his delegation’s statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement had quoted from the Special Committee’s reports.
Action on Drafts
Turning to several outstanding draft resolutions, the Committee heard the representative of Mexico introduce the first, titled “Comprehensive review of special political missions” (document A/C.4/70/L.14). He said his delegation, together with that of Finland, had co-facilitated the text in an effort to increase the engagement of Member States with the special political missions of the United Nations. Mexico would continue to promote the work of such missions in the Fourth and Fifth Committees, he said, adding that upcoming interactive dialogues on the topic would be enriched by the reports of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations and the Secretary-General.
The Committee then approved draft resolution A/C.4/70/L.14 without a vote.
It then took up a draft decision titled “Question of Gibraltar” (document A/C.4/70/L.5), also approving it without a vote.
The Committee then concluded its comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations.
TAEDONG KIM (Republic of Korea) emphasized the need to build common understanding and to sustain momentum for the implementation of the recommendations laid out by the Secretary-General and the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations. For its part, the Republic of Korea had organized several conferences to develop and refine a practical and shared understanding of the reform agenda for peace operations. Since the United Nations did not have standing forces, reacting to crises in a timely manner had always been a concern that could be addressed by strengthening partnerships with regional organizations, he said, adding that peacekeeping was not only the responsibility of peacekeepers in the field and at United Nations Headquarters. Given the intertwined and complex nature of today’s security challenges, the Organization must forge more effective and complementary partnerships, he said.
GHANA SHYAM LAMSAL (Nepal), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, called for a thorough examination of the reports of the Secretary-General and the High-level Panel with a view to maximizing results. Noting that the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations was the sole inter-governmental body responsible for peacekeeping, he welcomed the appointment of co-chairs to facilitate negotiations on the review of the peacebuilding architecture. He pointed out that, to date, more than 120,000 Nepalese peacekeepers had served in 42 missions around the world, with the two largest contingents deployed in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nepal had deployed its troops without national caveats, which helped military commanders exercise operational control. Moreover, all of Nepal’s pledges had been placed in the new peacekeeping capability readiness system. The country enforced a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and trained all its peacekeepers extensively before they were deployed.
A. K. M. AKHTARUZZAMAN (Bangladesh), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that, as a leading contributor of troops and police, his country had a vital stake in the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Recognizing the need for the modernization of peacekeepers through the use of new technologies, Bangladesh had established its state-of-the-art Institute for Peace Support Operations and Training, and was developing it as a centre for customized training, joint exercises and technical support, he said. Further, the country was among the first to register pledges through the newly introduced “Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System”, he said.