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STATEMENT BY

 

MS. YANG AISHAH ADNAN

FIRST SECRETARY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE OF THE

78^TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

ON AGENDA ITEM 59: PERMANENT SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM AND OF THE ARAB POPULATION IN THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN OVER THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES

 

16 OCTOBER 2023, CONFERENCE ROOM 2, UNHQ

 

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cuba on behalf of the G77 and China.

 

2.  Year after year, we remain concerned about the recurring reports from the Secretary General, which emphasise unlawful practices and exploitations resulting from the prolonged Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory and the Syrian Golan, adversely affecting the living conditions of the affected populations.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

3.  The systematic oppression of Palestinians over the decades, through discriminatory policies, denial of basic human rights, imposition of harsh living conditions, inhumane acts as well as confiscation of their lands and properties are clearly inconsistent with the pursuit of peace and peaceful co-existence.

 

4.  Imagine a world where our everyday life is marked by limited access, tough closures, and the constant harassment by foreign forces. For Palestinians, this is their daily reality. These challenges do not just make life difficult – they are barriers to the enjoyment of their most basic rights, such as the right to work, education and access to healthcare. Ignoring their plight is a moral failure we cannot afford. We must not turn away from the ongoing and illegal actions that force the Palestinians into deprivation and destitution.

 

5.  On that note, Malaysia implores the global community to call upon Israel to bring an end to its occupation of Palestinian lands, to cease the exploitation of their resources, and to adhere to all pertinent UN resolutions.

 

6.  Moreover, on numerous occasions, delegations have consistently underscored the importance of achieving the SDGs and ensuring no one is left behind. It would lack significance if we were to neglect those in Palestine and Syrian Golan who are enduring daily hardships under occupation. Leaving them behind would render our efforts meaningless.

 

7.  The outlook for the Palestinian economy appears bleak if the current state of affairs endures. To make matters worse, the funding crisis gripping UNRWA, coupled with the declining donor support, further deepens the already fragile circumstances for the Palestinian population. As we advance towards sustainable and resilient recovery, it is imperative that we intensify our efforts in securing assistance for these populations.

 

8.  In this regard, Malaysia calls upon fellow Member States to continue to support and fund the critical work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by offering substantial funding to the Agency, which is an important partner in the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for the Palestinians. We are also pleased to highlight that Malaysia has been a regular contributor to UNRWA since 1978 and will continue to remain resolute in its continued commitment, including through a recent long-term financial contribution to UNRWA beginning year 2021 to 2025 amounting to USD 1 million.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

9.  The lack of international response to systematic violations by occupying forces against the rights of Palestinians and Arabs in the occupied Syrian Golan, including their natural resources, may encourage impunity and imply double standards by the international community in dealing with this long-standing crisis.

 

 

10.  In conclusion, Malaysia remains committed to actively participating in regional and multilateral forums, seeking just, sustainable, comprehensive, and peaceful solutions for the Palestinians and Arabs in the occupied Syrian Golan. We invite and encourage other delegations to join these efforts as well.

 

I thank you for your attention.