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STATEMENT BY

MR. NIZHAN FARAZ RIZAL

SECOND SECRETARY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON

AGENDA ITEM 70: RIGHT OF PEOPLES TO SELF-DETERMINATION

 

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 27 OCTOBER 2023

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

 

The right to self-determination is a core principle of the United Nations (UN). It is enshrined in the Charter of this august body, and further reaffirmed by other international instruments, including those in the human rights domain. The 1993 World Conference on Human Rights, which adopted the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), I quote, “considers the denial of the right of self-determination as a violation of human rights and underlines the importance of the effective realisation of this right”, unquote. As we have all consistently reaffirmed the UN Charter as well as the VDPA, this fundamental principle must not be conveniently forgotten.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

2.     The question of Palestine has been a longstanding quest for self-determination. Regrettably, it remains unrealised until this very day. The reason is clear – the blatant refusal by apartheid Israel, the Occupying Power, to respect the two-State solution decided by the very same body which admitted it as a full-fledged Member State. For decades, Israel continues to undermine the two-State solution and make a mockery of the UN Charter and international human rights instruments it is Party to. It is becoming increasingly emboldened in its belligerence as some members of the Security Council and their allies unconditionally defend it irrespective of the atrocities committed against the innocent civilians of Palestine and neighbouring occupied territories. In a new low, it is now resorting to vilifying everyone that calls out its atrocities against Palestinians, including the head of this august institution. The oppressor does not get to play victim.

 

3.     For as long as apartheid Israel is given carte blanche to perpetuate its brazen violation of international law; for as long as apartheid Israel continues to deny Palestinians of their human rights, including the right to self-determination; for as long as the Security Council as well as those who claim to champion human rights condone the belligerence of apartheid Israel through their deafening silence, calls for the promotion, protection and respect for human rights ring hollow.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

4.     The status quo cannot persist. Palestine must be allowed to exercise its right to self-determination. The longstanding paralysis with regard to an independent and sovereign Palestine must end. Malaysia remains steadfast in its support for the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We call for the swift removal of all hindrances towards the exercise of this inherent right by the Palestinian people. We all have a legal and moral obligation towards the people of Palestine.

 

I thank you.