Good morning. We will commence this morning's meeting. It is the 55th session of the 56th meeting of the Human Rights Council. I have been informed that a number of resolutions are ready for adoption during this meeting. You can see this on the screen right now. That said, we will begin the consideration of the resolutions as presented, beginning with L30. L30 with oral revisions. The human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to guarantee the principle of accountability and justice. I would like to get the floor to Pakistan, who will be presenting. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Oasis member states, Pakistan presents a draft resolution titled Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice as contained in the orally revised version of LDOT 30. Over the past six months, the occupying power has written a horrific new chapter in the 75 a year-old tragedy of the Palestinian people. The draft resolution has been updated with the aim of responding to the egregious human rights violations facing us in occupied Palestine, especially the Gaza Strip. The text is the result of thorough and transparent consultations. The OIC Group is grateful for widespread support and engagement during this process and is again presenting this resolution under item 2 for the Council's unanimous support for accountability of Israel's continuing disregard for international law. Mr. President, the preambular part of the resolution expresses grave concern at the worsening situation in the occupied Palestine, especially Gaza, and the unacceptably high proportion of innocent civilian casualties. The preambular paragraphs reflect this Council's grave concern at war crimes and crimes against humanity in the OPT and the ICJ's determination that the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation faced the plausible risk of genocide.

They also voice our shared concern at the clear risk posed by arms transfer to Israel, which contribute to further violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and facilitates the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The pattern of collective punishment of the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, includes repeated military aggression, an illegal blockade now in its 17th year, indiscriminate bombing in densely populated areas, starvation as a method of warfare, obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and widespread and wanton destruction of residential areas and critical civilian infrastructure. Mr. President, the situation of human rights in occupied Palestine had always been precarious at best. Over the past months, it has fallen off the precipice. The The negative part of the resolution, therefore, calls for an immediate ceasefire and end to the occupation without delay and urgent and unhinder humanitarian relief. The resolution condams all attacks on civilians and calls for the immediate release of all remaining hostages and detainees while warning against military operations in the city of Raafah, where most of Qatar's forcibly displaced population is sheltering. To ensure meaningful accountability, the resolution request the Secretary General and the OHACHR ensure adequate resources, expertise, and logistic support.

The consensual adoption of this resolution would affirm the international community's commitment to the premises of international law and send a clear signal that impunity for human rights by serious violations is finally at an end. I thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for presenting this resolution on behalf of the OIC. I now announced that there are 10 Other Cosponsors for these resolutions, additional co-sponsors for this resolution. Then I open the floor for delegations wishing to have general observations on this text. The floor. I see Algerian.

Thank you, Mr. President. Over the past six months, the occupying power has written a new dramatic chapter, which is added to the Palestinian tragedy that has lasted for over 70 years. In occupied Palestine, the infrastructure has been deteriorated below all moral, legal, and humanitarian values. In the midst of a complete neglect from the international community. Not to speak of the numerous measures of many countries, namely when this time, yet again, we're addressing a Palestinian cause. The international community or a section of that international community refuses shouldering its responsibilities, whereas that same international community takes on entirely different positions in other parts of the world. In this running counter to international humanitarian law or international human rights law or running against human values. Some parties defend the policy of occupation while cautioning the occupying party under the pretext that it is a state of self defense. Knowing that Palestinian children, men, women, children, older persons are subjected to serious violation of human rights, no one has come to assist this precarious segment of the population. The Palestinian people are under aggression. Schools, hospitals, refugee host centers are being struck by the power the occupying power. This jeopardizes the credibility and the use of our council.

History will not forget the fair cause. The history will not forget that the Palestine people never wanted to give up before an aggressive that has violated their rights. History will remember those that stood to defend international justice, such as Algeria has done. History will also remember those who share our convictions and those who defend dignity, justice, and peace, those who, simply put, defend humanity. History will remember those that are asking for justice to be done History will not forget those who ask for restoring the rights of Palestinians, which is why the resolution L30 calls on all to remember the duty to remember and to recall historic obligations. We point out that defending rights of Palestinians is a moral imperative that transcends ethnicity and borders. It is a responsibility incumbent on all humankind.

South Africa, Mr. Ambassador. Thank you, Mr. President. South Africa wishes to express its appreciation to the OIC and the mission of the State of Palestine for tabling L30, as this is the very first time that this council will take action on the unprecedented onslaught taking place in Gaza. Our silence has been truly deafening, with some displaying double standards in the height of hypocrisy. In just over 180 days, at least 32 9,975 Palestinians have been killed, including 14,500 children. These figures, however, provide only a glimpse of the untold human suffering taking place on our watch. Yet While the council has been silent, the special procedure mechanisms that support its work have not been bought. South Africa salutes their unwavering commitment to amplify the voices of the victims, despite despite being subjected to unconscionable threats and abuse. Indeed, they warned the council as far back as 16th of November that the grave violations being committed against the Palestinian people pointed to a genocide in the making. They are efforts are embedded in South Africa's papers before the ICJ. They informed the determination of the court concerning the plausible risk of genocide, together with its subsequent orders, including its most recent order, which was issued on 28 March in response to the significant deterioration in the situation.

Their efforts are also embedded in a number of other interventions that are taking place, including the recent decision by the UN Security Council. South Africa views the intimidation and harassment of the special rapporteer on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, Ms. Francesca Albanes in a serious light and calls on those responsible for such to desist their unlawful actions. The work of the special procedure mechanisms will be particularly important going forward for the purposes of the collection and preservation of evidence that lies at the heart of ensuring accountability and justice, which is precisely what L 136 to achieve. It is only through ensuring accountability and justice that we can earn the impunity that has entrenched the ongoing unlawful occupation together with its Apartheid policies, as well as discharge our solem obligation under the Genocide Convention, which enjoys us to prevent and punish those responsible for genocide. It therefore remains crucial that we ensure that Israel respects and implements ICJ orders together with USAID UNSC resolutions, demanding an immediate and lasting ceasefire which L30 will not doubt contribute in securing. We cannot longer choose to apply a parallel system of international law to Israel, nor can we be complicit in facilitating its actions.

For international law to be credible, it must be uniformly applied. It must serve the victims that it is designed to protect rather than those with power who treat it with contempt. South Africa, therefore, calls on members of this council to bring an end to any selectivity and double standard and to adopt L30 by concessus. Accordingly, we wish to echo the recent statement by the high commissioner in Gaza, urging us, and I quote, to avert a new era of power politics that cast aside norms and institutions so painstakingly built to advance them. Our universal rights and fundamental humanity depend on reversing any such trajectory. I thank you. I thank Mr. Ambassador, for your comment. I'll give the floor to Kuba. Thank you, Mr.

President. Mr. President, we are grateful to the State of Palestine and to the members of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation for presenting this draft resolution, whose critical need is undeniable. The violations of human rights perpetrated by Israel and occupied Palestinian territories before and after October seventh are broadly documented in the reports of the special procedures of the Council of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the similar agencies, funds, programs, and mechanisms of the United Nations, including its Secretary General. The time has come to turn rhetoric into action, which is why Cuba supports strengthening the language of the resolution and to set up accountability mechanisms, not just for the occupying power, whose actions become an act of genocide, but also for States accomplices that keep up the financing, sale, and transfer of weapons to Israel and make shameful use of the right to veto and the Security Council when addressing the current crisis. We support the request of South Africa before the International Court of Justice against Israel regarding the latter's violations of its obligations as a state party to the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948.

Mr. President, there's an urgent need to meet the actions proposed by this resolution, which include lifting the illegal blockade on the Gaza Strip, the collective punishment, the cease to a long lasting ceasefire and meeting the provisional measures from the International Court of Justice. Mr. President, as is well known, Cuba's support to the Palestinian cause is unwavering, which is why we will be supporting in favor of this draft resolution, and we ask all member states of the council to do likewise. Mr. President, this is not just one more vote. This is a vote for justice, for the respect for the more than 3,000 Palestinians that have been murdered in recent months, in addition to 12,300 boys and girls. This vote is for the over 300 humanitarian workers and assistance murder during this time. It is a vote for the over 140 journalists that have died in the Gaza Strip.. Mr. President, this is a vote for lost dreams. It is a vote to end impunity. It is a vote for dignity. Thank you.

..... Thank you.

To this day, we witness a criminal war carried out by the occupying power against innocent Palestinians of this brotherly people. In spite of security council measures, the occupying power pays no heat to all international conventions. And on a daily basis, we witness an increasing number of murders and murdered children among the Palestinian people. We cannot describe the magnitude of the humanitarian tragedy that besides this brotherly, sisterly people in the Gaza Strip. Threats are ongoing, and the humanitarian situation has deteriorated at all levels. This, according to reports of all specialized international organizations. Sir, the Council has a historic task to decide on today by adopting Resolution L30 to bring justice, and we call for the adoption of this resolution by consensus. Thank you, ambassador. Thank you, Mr. President.

General observations on this text. If it's the case, then we will give the floor to the country's consent to begin by Israel. Mr. Ambassador, you have the floor. Thank you, Mr. President. For years, Israel has been calling on this council to condemn Hamas, to call out its inhumanity, and to call for accountability and justice for Israeli victims of terrorism. Yet Even after the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, indeed one of the deadliest and most brutal terrorist attack of modern times, this council has once again failed to do so. Let me ask, how many What dead Israelis will it take to condemn Hamas? 1,200 murdered is not enough. What atrocities will warrant condemnation? The rape, mutilation, and torture of Israelis was not enough. How many victims must there be for this council to address Palestinian terrorism? How many stockpiles of weapons, terrorist headquarters, tunnel shafts must be revealed in hospitals, schools, and UN facilities before this council takes upon itself to denounce the use of civilian infrastructure by Palestinian terrorist organizations. According to the resolution before you today, Israel has no right to protect its people, while Hamas has every right to murder and torture innocent Israelis.

Israel should have stood idly by on October seventh, as Hamas unleashed its barbaric acts. On October eighth, it should have allowed Hamas to do so again. According to this resolution, states should not sell arms to Israel in its to defend this population, but they can continue to arm Hamas, supplying them with the same weapons which was pointed at Amit Soushna's head as she was being sexually assaulted in Hamas captivity. According to this resolution, there is some distorted equivalence drawn between the hostages still held by Hamas and the Hamas terrorists themselves. That one-year-old Kfir Bibas and the other 133 hostages hostages held by Hamas are equal to Monar Mahmoud Mohamed Kassem, an Islamic Jihad terrorist who admitted to raping a woman on October seventh. Mr. President, this council has long abandoned the Israeli people and long defended Hamas. It has become a shield for terrorists. It has turned the blind eye to any acts of violence against Israelis and Jews. I call on members of this council do not succumb to this manifestly distorted text. A vote yes is a vote for Hamas, a vote for ignoring the slaughter and rape of my people, a vote for legitimizing Palestinian terrorism and incitement while delegitimising the very real fight against anti-Semitism, a vote for undermining Israel's right to defend itself for equating the plight of 134 hostages held by Hamas with Hamas themselves.

Israel will continue to fight Hamas We will continue to defend our people, and we will bring all 134 hostages back home. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your declaration..

We would like to give floor to His Excellency, the ambassador of Palestine.

Thank you, President. I would like to thank the Mission of Pakistan and the Coordinator of the CIA, and all states who have sponsored and supported the draft resolution on 2.2 and 2.7 Resolutions on Palestine. I would have a statement to read, but I would also like to say that the fact that you've come to hear today, you've come to hear a list of lies that have been repeated again and again, we have expressed our position and we repeat it. Allegations have to be proved. They cannot be proved without an independent investigation. In Palestine, we stand ready to make accountable of all those who have contravened laws. We have heard positions from states, including deplorable states, states that have been condemned by Netanyahu, for example. There have been attempts to impose new laws on the world. We have seen repercussions of these statements on a number of states in the form of the votes on this resolution. There have been calls for accountability across the world that adjust, but positions change when we're talking about Israel. How is it that you can justify to your children televised genocide, televised and broadcast across the world? It is not Hamas combatants who are being killed.

9,000 women who are not combatants. The hospitals are not stores of weapons. There is no proof of this. Against Schifa Hospital a few days ago, we saw attacks and both doctors and patients killed. The bodies that are left behind are a shame for the entire international community. You have seen the attack against Kitchen International. These are not even Palestinians who were killed. Among Amongst the states represented here, there are citizens who have been killed by the military of Israel. There have been requests for investigations, but there's been just a Masquerade. You have seen the resolution of the Security Council on the 25th of March. The ambassador of the United States stated that the resolution was not binding. This was a resolution under Chapter 6, which gives states the right to implement Security Council resolutions. If you want the law of the jungle terrain. Then, terrorism will spread and affect everyone. The global kikshun incident is just the beginning. I have just three minutes, and I was unable to cover all the attacks on human rights. We have seen a humanitarian disaster. We need you all to wake up and stop this genocide. Genocide televised live across the world, killing thousands of the innocent Palestinian people during the Second World War over a period of six years.

We were not responsible, but we have been paying the price of what was done during the Second World War. Although we were innocent, this must be stopped. Otherwise, the situation will only further deteriorate and it will affect all peoples. I thank you, ambassador. The draft text has budgetary implications. I would like to ask whether there are any explanations of your vote before the vote takes place on this draft? The United States of America, please. Thank you, Mr. President. We all agree that far too many civilians have been killed in this conflict and that every civilian death is a tragedy. We are outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza on Monday, including one American citizen. Incidents Defense like this simply should not happen. Protection of all civilian life is both a moral and strategic imperative, and Israel has not done enough to mitigate civilian harm. We continue to express grave concern at the unprecedented loss of life and the lack of adequate humanitarian assistance that has placed men, women, and children in Gaza on the brink of widespread starvation. Hamas's brutal terrorist attack on Israel irreperably shattered many lives.

We demand the release of hostages that Hamas has held for six months as of tomorrow. Every state, including Israel, has an obligation to defend itself, and Israel has the right to prevent the events of October seventh from ever happening again. How Israel does so matters. The United States has repeatedly urgent Israel to deconflict military operations against Hamas with humanitarian generations in order to avoid civilian casualties and to ensure humanitarian actors can carry out their essential mission in safety. That has not happened. In just six months, more humanitarians have been killed in this conflict than in any war of the modern era. That is why President Biden has underscored the need for an immediate ceasefire by all parties, which is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians. We urge Prime Minister Netanyahu to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal without delay to bring the hostages home and Hamas to accept the deal on the table. Turning to draft resolution L30 before us Today, we are deeply concerned by its many problematic elements, too many to name in full. For example, there is no specific condemnation of Hamas for perpetrating the horrific October seventh attacks.

Neither is there any reference to the terrorist nature of those actions. While we appreciate the addition of language calling for the immediate release of hostages, unfortunately, the text makes no distinction between hostages who were brutally abducted by a terrorist organization that heeds no international law, whose whereabouts are unknown, and who, according to credible UN reporting, are likely experiencing repeated sexual violence, and detainees whose fate is regulated and governed by legal processes. Let me be clear, these groups are not equivalent. Finally, the text draws a number of conclusions about the conduct of the conflict that have not been sufficiently evidenced. The United States is determined to bring life-saving aid to Gaza, to push for an end to the conflict, and to bring about a lasting, just, and stable two-state solution. Unfortunately, draft resolution L30 does nothing to further those aims. For all of these reasons, we regret that we must call a vote and urge fellow member states to join us in voting no. I thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanations. I now give you the floor, Mr. Ambassador of Chile. Thank you very much, Mr.

President. I'd like to speak about the resolution on the situation of human rights in occupied Palestine and territory, including fighting Jerusalem and the need for accountability and justice presented by Pakistan representing the Organization for Islamic Cooperation. As this council knows full well, the human rights situation experienced in occupied Palestine territories, and particularly in Gaza, is quite serious. The world has borne witness to the suffering of the civilian population, not least women and children who have been victims of indiscriminate attacks and who faced a certain risk of hunger and death. Were the military offensive to continue, as we have done from the first day, Chile rejects Without any nuances, the capture of surveillance by Hamas and calls for their immediate and unconditional release. All the while, we reiterate that violation of fundamental standards by part of the conflict does not justify at at any rate that the other party ignores said rules. This is a basic rule of humanitarian law. With this in mind, Chiller will vote in favor of this resolution, as they have traditionally done, and we rate our appeal to Israel to bring an end to practices that violate the human rights of the people living in occupied Palestinian territories.

Mr. President, this resolution refers to the possible commission of a series of international crimes other series of violations of humanitarian law and human rights by Israel. In this context, and bearing in mind, particularly, that as the name indicates, the resolution seeks to guarantee accountability and justice, Chile considers that the processes before international courts are particularly relevant, which is why Chele submitted the situation of Palestine to the international criminal court, and for the beginning has expressed its support and the role that the International Court of Justice can play. Both courts will be in charge of assessing the existence of these crimes and any linked responsibility of all parties to the conflict, which is why Chile urges strongly Israel to cooperate with both courts. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanations. And now, give you the floor, Mr. Ambassador of Japan. Thank you, Mr. President. The government of Japan commends the effort made by Oasis and the Delegation of Palestine to present draft resolution L30 on the human rights situation in occupied Palestine territory including East Yerson, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice and to accommodate several comments, including from Japan. We have previously voted in favor of this resolution since it was first formulated by integrating to Resolution in 2021. The government, Japan, is deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza Street. With an increasing With the exciting number of civilian casualty in Gaza, including many children, women, and elderly people, it is crucial to improve the humanitarian situation as soon as possible. The government of Japan has also a historically and condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others, and has consistently called for the immediate release of the hostages. At the same time, we once again, reiterate the importance of the protection of the civilians and urge all parties to act in accordance with the international law, including international humanitarian law. We particularly urge all parties to act in good faith based on the relevant UN Security Council resolution such as Resolution 2728, including ensuring humanitarian assistance.

We recall that many points have been added to this draft resolution in response to the current situation in Gaza. While it is difficult to fully guard the factual situation, this resolution should not prejudge the legal consequences of such points, including reference to matters pending before the ICJ. At the same time, it is not that Japan has not made a legal assessment that Israel's action are fully consistent with the international law.

Since the number of civilian casualty is increasing, it is true that the current situation requires further explanation from the parties as whether their military action as a whole is justified under international law.

Taking these points into consideration, Japan has decided to abstain from voting. I thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanations. I now give the floor to Indonesia while announcing that Indonesia withdraw from the list of co-sponsors of this resolution. You have the floor, Indonesia, Mr. Ambassador. Thank you, Mr. President. As we speak, the extreme sufferings of our Palestinian brothers, sisters, and children have not teased. Their adversity continues to deteriorate day by day despite numerous diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian efforts made by the international community, especially over these past six months. The deliberate, blata and barbaric military actions remain conducted by Israel, against the civilians in Gaza, including the medical personnel and aid workers, during this holy month of Ramadan. This unauthoredly a complete disregard by the occupying power to implement the mandatory order by the International Court of Justice and the recently adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2728. As we are approaching the end of Ramadan in less than a week, such momentum must not be exploited by the occupying power to escalate its acts of violence against the Palestinian. We demand an immediate and permanent cheese fire, urge the occupying power to comply with international law, and call upon all states to contribute to preventing acts that amount to genocide in Gaza.

In including by ending transferring arms to Israel. Mr. President, the draft resolution L30, as orally revised, has been presented before the council as a balanced tax. It condams all acts of violence and the targeting of all civilians while demanding immediate release of all hostages, detainers, and victims of enforced disappearance. The elements of accountability are also significantly enhanced through the addition of new paragraph as delineated in OP 41 of the 44 weeks. We highly value the vital works of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, while deeply worried about the inadequate resources allocated to the commission compared to other country-specific mandates. We, therefore, strongly support the call for additional necessary resources to enable the Commission of Inquiry to fully carry out its mandate. Mr. President, given the unprecedented magnitude of atrocities in the OPT, the The introduction of this draft resolution provides an important momentum for all of us as members of the international community to self-reflect, measure, and renew our unwavering and genuine commitment to human rights. The rights of the Palestinian people are also human rights, not less. Upon the consideration of this draft resolution, we urge our members of the Council to vote in favor.

Finally, we would like to reaffirm our strong solidarity with the people of Palestine and support the wider recognition of the Palestinian statehood. I thank you, Mr. President. I thank you, sir, for your explanation. I now give the floor to you, Mr. Ambassador of Bulgaria. Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Bulgaria, I would like to make the following explanation of our vote. We note the... Let me start by stating that we share the concerns over the dramatically deteriorating the operating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the growing number of civilian casualties, including humanitarian workers operating on the ground, and the ensuing potential for further escalation of the conflict. We're also deeply concerned about the disproportion the passionate effect of the hostilities on civilians, particularly children, as well as the imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid, and acknowledge that immediate measures should be taken to prevent any further population displacement and ensure that civilians are protected at all times. At the same time, we would have expected to see in the text a more explicit and accurate reference to the triggering acts that are at the origin of the current escalation, namely the seventh of October, unprecedented terrorist attacks on Israel involving indiscriminate murder of civilians, including children, women, and elderly, unthinkable forms of atrocity and violence, including gender-based violence, kidnapping and keeping of civilians as hostages.

In this regard, we reiterate our strongest condemnation of Hamas and call for the immediate release of all hostages taken by this entity. We're disappointed that the text of the resolution failed to include a more explicit and an equivocal condemnation of this heinous attacks and of their perpetrators, and a stronger call for the release of the hostages. We know the efforts made by the OIC and the Delegation of the Observer State of Palestine in drafting the text of Resolution L30. We do, however, find that some elements of the text continue affecting the applicability of the resolution in an entirely balanced and equitable manner. For these reasons, we are not in a position to support this text and will vote against it. We also reiterate the right of Israel to self-defense in accordance with international law and in respect of international humanitarian law, and underscore that all parties must respect international law and the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. I thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanations. Now we give the floor to you, Mr. Ambassador of Brazil.. Thank you, Mr. President. Extremely concerned with the gravity of the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Since the beginning of the present conflict, we have condemned the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas. We have also rejected Israel's disproportionate unfortunate and indiscriminate response in Gaza, which has resulted in an appalling number of deaths, mostly women and children, causing hunger and the destruction of civilian, including health, infrastructure. Brazil will vote in favor of the resolution under consideration because we believe that credible, timely, and comprehensive accountability for all violations of international law is fundamental to break this unrelenting cycle of violence and impunity. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law. All violations of human rights must end. We support the work of the special mechanisms, including the Commission of Inquiry, and call upon all parties involved to cooperate. Brazil also supports the proceedings presented by South Africa at the International Court of Justice and emphasizes the importance of the full compliance with the provisional measures adopted by the court on January 26th and March 28th in order to protect and guarantee the rights of Palestinians under the Convention on the Prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide. The court's provisional measures are mandatory and require immediate implementation to ensure the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians throughout Gaza.

While While pursuing justice, the international community should find ways to heal the deep wounds of the conflict and start charting a new political horizon towards peace. Brazil remains committed to a two-state solution with an economically viable state of Palestine, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, with mutually agreed and international-recognized borders, which includes the Gaza trip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem as its capital. I thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanation. I now give you the floor, Mr. Ambassador of France. Thank you, President. President, the human toll, the human rights situation, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza are all catastrophic and deserve all the attention of the council. We cannot have We must be objective. We thank the Palestinian Delegation for the way in which they have conducted, in terrible circumstances, the discussions and work to find the broadest possible avenue for agreement, allowing the text to be changed. France has been amongst the first to arrive in Gaza to provide assistance for the Palestinians who cruelly need that assistance. We continue to call on Israel to allow the flow of massive aid, including the opening of the Ashtar Port, a land route from Jordan and opening of all crossing points.

We continue and will continue to firmly be in opposition to all arrest really offensive in Ra'afa. We will continue to call for an immediate sustainable ceasefire. We will continue to call for respect for international law, in a particularly international humanitarian law, by all parties, and call for the protection of humanitarian workers in all circumstances. We will continue to call for the the liberation of all persons detained and for the fight against impunity. We also reiterate the principles of responsibility, justice, and accountability for all parties. However, France will abstain this year on this text for the reasons that I will explain. The reference to genocide, first of all, a crime which we all understand what it means, we believe it cannot be included in a text of this level of a resolution of the council without that assessment, that qualification being validated by the appropriate legal authority. The international community, however, must most strongly condemn the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and terrorist groups on the seventh of October. The treatment of the victims going as far as unbearable sexual violence must be denounced. Israel has the right to defend itself when it faces attacks from a group that challenges its very existence.

That is a right which must be exercised in full respect for international humanitarian law, which calls for the civilian population to be spared. Finally, the hostages still in the Gaza Strip must be freed immediately and without conditions. Mr. President, as we face the tragedy that the Palestinian people is going through now in Gaza, France, which is working with determination on the initiative of a Security Council since the beginning of the crisis, is resolutely committed in favor of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We reiterate that only a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, can meet the security needs of Israel and the Israeli people and the Palestine, as well as the legitimate hopes of the Palestine people for their own state. I thank you, ambassador, for your explanations. Floor to China. China, you have the floor. President, China welcomes Pakistan presenting dropped resolution L30 for the UIC member states. The Gaza Strip suffers from unprecedented humanitarian disaster. It is imperative to ensure the timely and full implementation of the Security Council's resolution on ceasefire in Gaza to achieve immediate ceasefire. The Palestinian issue has long existed. Over 70 years have passed. Generations of Palestinians have lost their homes and been displaced.

The long cherished dream of an independent Palestine state is still out of reach. This is a wound on the conscience of the mankind. The international community should bring justice to the Palestine people as soon as possible and support the protection of the human rights of Palestine people. China has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights. We support the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestine state based on the 1967 borders with the East Jerusalem as its capital and firmly opposes the forced transfer of the Palestinian people and the occupation of the Palestinian land. China calls on all parties to faithfully implement the resolution of the GA, the Syria Council, and the Human Rights Council on the Rights of the Palestinian People, and urges Israel to investigate and hold to account the violations of the human rights of the Palestine people and compensate the victims. In view of the above, China will vote in favor of the draft resolution of L30 and call some other members of the Council to do the same. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, sir, for your explanations. Then give the floor to Argentina, Mr.

Ambassador.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. We are concerned and deeply hurt by the duration of the humanitarian situation in occupied Palestine territory, particularly Gaza, and we call for an immediate and continuous ceasefire that would allow for the arrival of humanitarian assistance to people affected. We call on parties to the conflict to respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including fundamentally the obligation to protect the civilian population in armed conflict. We strongly condemn the death of adults, children, humanitarian workers, and journalists, among others. This situation is absolutely inadmissible. This is a true tragedy, one before which we cannot remain indifference, for if we did, if we would be collectively witnessing international complicity through silence. On the other hand, Argentina also, unequivari, rejects terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October seventh against Israel and taking hostages while recognizing Israel's rights to legitimate defense. The hundreds of lives lost, the wounded, the pain of their family and friends for this cruelty makes no sense at all. We call on the hostages in Hamas hand to be released without conditions and to provide it with dignity and medical needs, and that the International Red Cross Committee be allowed to visit them immediately.

Having said all of this, Mr. President, here we're not considering the tragic situation on the ground, which has been clearly described. We are rather analyzing the text that the letter, the content of a draft resolution L30, the human rights situation in occupied Palestine territory included an Eastern Jerusalem and the need to guarantee accountability and justice presented during this session, which is why we believe that the text in and of itself is not balanced, mainly for the lack of an explicit mention to Hamas and its terrorist activities, which did not start nor end with the atrocities of October seventh. This is an oversight that we cannot overlook, which is why we will vote against the draft resolution, and we urge other delegations to do as well. Argentina reiterates that the only true long-lasting solution to the conflict will come with the emergence of an independent, democratic, viable, and territorially contiguous territory of Palestine that would guarantee the right of Israel to live pishfully within safe and international recognized borders. We believe that the UN as a whole must maximize its efforts and urge parties to move in that direction, particularly because in the UN, we have had the necessary bodies and mechanisms to consider the management of Palestine, and we have committed to long-lasting peace between Palestine and Israel.

It is up to us to take on the political amendment to do that without excuses nor delays. Thank you.

I then have Germany. Mrs. Ambassador, you have the floor. Thank you, Mr. President. We share the sense of urgency regarding the situation in Gaza that the resolution before us expresses. We are gravely concerned about the catastrophic situation in Gaza and deplore the suffering of innocent civilians. Therefore, Germany works relentlessly for an improvement of the humanitarian situation and a diplomatic solution. We hold that Israel's actions in exercising its right to defend against armed attacks by the terrorist group Hamas must respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. We call upon Israel to adhere to the provisional measures the International Court of Justice has ordered on January 26th and March 28th, 2024. Israel has the obligation to minimize the impact of the hostility facilities on civilians, including in Ra'afa, and to allow for sufficient humanitarian assistance to reach people in need. Therefore, we have actively engaged in the consultations on this resolution together with the European Union. We acknowledge the willingness of the Palestinian Delegation to accommodate a number of improvements in the text. However, the resolution refrains from mentioning Hamas and denies Israel the exercise of its right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The ICJ's Advisory Opinion of 2004, mentioned in the resolution, refers to the situation in the West Bank and is not applicable to the situation of October seventh, 2023. Furthermore, the resolution insinuates that Israel engages in Apartheid, and it accuses Israel of collective punishment, deliberate targeting of the Palestinian civilian population, and applying starvation as a method of warfare. While we believe that such allegations require the investigation. The result of such investigations should not be prejudged in a resolution of this council. Therefore, we will vote no on this resolution. Thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanations. I don't have any other request for explanation of vote before the vote. If I see none, then at the request of the Delegation of the United States, I call for a vote on this text and request from the Secretariat to open the machine for Delegations to express their vote. The vote is closed. And then, Resolution L30 is adopted by the council by 28, yes. Thirteen, please. I request, please, to let me just announce the result for the council, if you wish so, please. So the The results are like it follows. Yes, 28, abstention, 13, and now 6, then

Of the concert country. We command the African initiative to participate in achieving a sustainable peace, including through technical assistance and capacity building. We also express our concern at the increasing polarization and politicization in this council. We refuse any practices that could detract the council from its reason for existence, which is the protection and promotion of human rights. When looking into the situation of human rights, we must do so universally, objectively in a matter that is indivisible, far from any double standards or selectivity. We regret that some states have double standards with regards to the OPT. This reflects a non-credibility when dealing with human rights in the council. How can this council not take real actions within its mandate, the core of its mandate, which is to preserve the right to life to security, to protect vulnerable groups from war crimes and crimes of genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories. In the last six months, we have over 30,000 martyrs.Thank you. To you, Mr. Ambassador of the Netherlands. Mr. President, good morning. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is appalled by the immense suffering of civilians due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

We condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas on the seventh of October and the escalation of violence following from this. It is crucial that an immediate ceasefire is implemented in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and Resolution 2720 to put an end to the suffering and all hostages are released. The Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly supports the need for a massive increase in humanitarian assistance and the need for accountability and justice for violations of international law, in line with several elements in this resolution. The letter applies to all parties to this conflict. However, there are several elements in this resolution we do not agree with, including language that preempts current judicial investigations into alleged breaches of international humanitarian military law. The Netherlands also has serious reservations with regard to the references to the right of self-defense and the transfer of military equipment. The Netherlands assesses transfer of military equipment with special caution and vigilance on a case-by-case basis in line with our obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty and EU Council, common position on experts of military technology and equipment. Given effect, Mr. President, that the Kingdom of the Netherlands finds elements in this resolution it agrees with and elements it does not agree with, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has decided to vote abstain on this resolution.

Thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanations. I now give you the floor, Mr. Ambassador of Paraguay.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. On Resolution L30, recently approved. Would have been best to approve it by consensus, and consensus is only possible when the proposal includes or considers all facets of the situation that it addresses with the proper balance. That was not the case, given that the resolution fails to mention the terrorist attacks of October seventh and merely speaks of hostages still kept hostage. In the opinion of Paraguay, it does not consider the whole picture, which led our country to vote against. A consensus that leads to long-lasting peace will arrive when this council will manage to consider all of these elements simultaneously. Thank you.

For your explanation,.

Ambassador of Luxembourg has a floor. Thank you, Mr. President. Luxembourg welcomes all efforts made by the Delegation of the Observer State of Palestine and the OIC in preparing Resolution L30. My Delegation voted in favor of this resolution, given the critical need of this in the situation on the ground. My Delegation recalls that the European Council, the level of heads of state and government, rejected in the strongest terms the criminal atrocities perpetrated by Hamas and other army groups on October seventh last. We also acknowledge Israel's responsibility to protect its population as well as its right to defend itself, according to international law and international humanitarian law, which is why we would like to dissociate ourselves from the statement of OP 13. Additionally, it is not understandable why any state should deliver weapons, munitions, or other military material to Israel, but will continue to do so for Hamas. We remain deeply concerned by the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate effect on civilians, particularly children, as well as the imminent risk of famine due to the obstruction of humanitarian assistance. Thorough, swift, sure, and without hindrance, humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza through all routes, mainly land routes, is essential.

We also call the government of Israel to not launch a military land offensive in Ra'afa. Lastly, we hope that the council will be able to play its role in the area of prevention, but also the promotion and protection of human rights in all circumstances. The dire urgency of the situation in Gaza, but also West Bank and East Jerusalem, demands that we act. Thank you. Thank you for your statement, ambassador.

Ms. Ambassador. Mr. President, Finland thanks the Mission of Palestine for its constructive engagement in Resolution L30 on the obligation to ensure accountability and justice in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. We have voted in favor of this resolution. Finland urges Israel to comply with the full span of international humanitarian law and with the legally binding orders issued by the International International Court of Justice, including the order issued on 28 March in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza, in particular, the spread of famine and starvation. With regard In our paragraph 19 of the resolution, Finland notes that the applicability of Article 59 of the UN Charter is not for the Human Rights Council to determine. In this regard, we recall the advisory opinion of the ICJ on the legal consequences of the construction of the wall in the occupied Palestinian territory, in which the court concluded that Article 51 of the Charter has no relevance in that case. Finland is fully committed to respect and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to the fulfill of obligations under Arm's Trade Treaty, regulating international trade in conventional arms, as well as the Vassana arrangement established to to promote transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.

Thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your explanations. Equally, I now give the floor to you, Mr. Ambassador of Ghana. Mr. President, Ghana abstained from the vote on the Resolution on advancing human rights in South Sudan because we believe that continued engagement between this council and the South Sudanese authorities are necessary to advance human rights in South Sudan. We note the concerns of the South Sudanese communities authorities, and believe that those concerns and the importance of respecting the principles, modalities, and mechanisms of the human rights systems are not mutually exclusive. We believe that finding agreements on recommendations for setting up institutions or fact-finding missions are a central pillar of the human rights architecture and the necessary condition for safeguarding utility, relevance, and value of the Human Rights Council. We nonetheless comment the pen holder and the members of the core group for their hard work and willingness to push the frontiers of constructive engagement with all members of the Council and with South Sudan in particular. We believe that the positive approach has helped a great deal to narrow the scope of this agreement and will provide the conditions required for further engagement with the leadership of South Sudan in transitioning the country through the present delicate stage of the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Mr. President, like others, Ghana also recognizes that more must be done to improve the livelihoods of the South Sudanese people, as well as their access to justice. Attention must be paid to victims of abuse and unfair treatment, especially those relating to sexual violence. We, therefore, encourage the South Sudanese authorities to remain committed to building the relevant state institutions whose work and mandate remain critical to realizing the aspirations of the South Sudanese people. Finally, the international community cannot afford continuing divisions and polarizations over the security and humanitarian situation prevailing in some parts of South Sudan, where in some instances, communal violence is rife and impunity still remain unpunished. Ghana, therefore, edges a unified and a consensus approach on matters concerning South Sudan. Thank you. I thank you, Mr. Ambassador. With that, we have concluded the consideration of the items Under item 2 of the agenda, and we will now pursue with the consideration of remaining resolutions.

Under item 3, we will now consider Resolution L.18.Rev.1. Rights of the child. Realizing the rights of the child and inclusive social protection. I would like to ask the representative of Belgium to present this resolution, as well as the the.