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STATEMENT BY

MS. ZAIMIRA ZULKIFLI

DELEGATE TO THE 79^TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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 79^TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

 

The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of the United Nations (UN), explicitly enshrined in its Charter and reaffirmed by various international instruments, including in the human rights domain. The 1993 World Conference on Human Rights, which adopted the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), stated that the denial of self-determination constitutes a violation of human rights and emphasised the critical importance of effectively realizing this right. As we collectively reaffirm our commitment to both the UN Charter and the VDPA, it is essential that this core principle is neither overlooked nor dismissed in our ongoing efforts to promote justice and equality for all.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

2. The question of Palestine represents a long-standing struggle for self-determination that remains unfulfilled to this day. The cause of this tragic reality is clear: the failure to hold Israel to account, for all the breaches of international law that it has committed. For decades, Israel has systematically undertaken unlawful territorial expansion and ethnic cleansing aimed at extinguishing the Palestinian presence in Palestine.  Its belligerence is increasingly emboldened by the unconditional support of certain Security Council members and their allies, who defend it regardless of the atrocities inflicted upon innocent civilians in Palestine and other occupied territories. In a shocking display of audacity, Israel has vilified anyone who dares to speak out against its actions, including the leader of this esteemed organisation.  Israel’s most recent arbitrary designation of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organisation and its Parliament vote to ban UNRWA is a serious challenge to the international rules-based order and the United Nations led multilateralism.   

 

3. Israel’s actions, with each passing day, raise our doubts as to whether it actually believes in the UN system, or values its membership in this organisation.  It has conveniently forgotten its pledge to uphold the criteria for membership in this organisation – that is to be a peace-loving state and conforming to the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations.  Israel must be held accountable for all its transgressions and violations of international laws.  It is the only way to ensure a lasting and sustainable peace in the region. 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

4. The quest for Palestinian statehood has been left unaddressed for far too long.  Since the early days of the United Nations, we have been yielding to Israel’s wicked strategies to deny the Palestinian people their inalienable right to self-determination. It is time for this gross injustice to be brought to a swift and definite 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.

 

I thank you.