THE Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) is disappointed with the United Nations (UN) Security Council for not being able to adequately address the pressing issue of Israel’s atrocities in Palestine, which has reportedly killed 148 people in Gaza including 41 children to date.
Calling out the UN Security Council for its lack of action, Suhakam highlights that the Charter of the UN United Nations clearly states that the threat or use of force against other States is unlawful, and according to Article 2(4): “All Members shall refrain, in their international relations, from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations”.
Recently, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has called for strict respect for international law and appealed to all sides to take steps to de-escalate the increasingly alarming situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
In a statement yesterday, Suhakam said: “These atrocities are against human rights principles and we are deeply concerned about the critical humanitarian and deteriorating human rights situation in Palestine. We hope that humanitarian assistance would be prioritised, as in all emergency situations, and definitive steps would be taken to protect and preserve the lives and dignity of individuals, including of women and children.”
Suhakam also supports the statement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that urges the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to call for the cessation of all forms of violence on Israel’s part.
“Effort must be taken to save the lives of Palestinians. We’re joining all Malaysians in supporting the pledge and stands in solidarity with Palestinians,” the statement concluded. – May 17, 2021
