Geneva, 29 March 2023

In the 47th meeting of the 52nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, Ghada Alrayan, Law for Palestine’s Geneva coordinator, delivered an oral statement on behalf of Law for Palestine, and in partnership with the Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “Shams”. 

This is the full statement text:

Mr. Vice-President,

At this moment and while we are here holding this meeting, nearly 1.000 new illegal Israeli settlement units are under construction, without any legal validity. The new settlements, just as the existing ones, violate UN Resolution 2334.

We, in Shams and Law for Palestine are deeply concerned over the grave violations committed by the Israeli extremist government, which, in addition to the illegal settlements, demolitions, and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures, include the recent killing of tens of Palestinians, including children.

Mr. Vice-President,

This Israeli behavior requires your attention and immediate action. There are consequences that arise for Third States as per the “Draft Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts” that ‘No State shall recognize as lawful a situation created by a serious breach…, nor render aid or assistance in maintaining that situation”.

Therefore, we call upon the UN to take serious action to enforce Resolution 2334, and we call upon the council to urge Israel to fulfill its obligations as an occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Finally, we call upon Third States to uphold their responsibilities, as per the “Draft Articles”, towards ending Israel’s illegal military occupation of Palestine.

Thank you!