Dr. Ashrawi on the adoption of four UNHRC resolutions regarding the occupied State of Palestine
“On behalf of the Palestinian leadership and the people of Palestine, we express our deep appreciation to the members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) who assumed a principled, courageous and just stand and overwhelmingly voted in favor of four UNHRC resolutions regarding the occupied State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem, at the 34th regular session of the UNHRC.
The adoption of the UNHRC resolutions, including motions calling on states "not to provide Israel with any assistance to be used specifically in connection with settlements" and urging business enterprises “to avoid contributing to the establishment, maintenance, development or consolidation of Israeli settlements,” constitutes a true investment in justice and signifies the international community’s commitment to seeking accountability for Israel’s unlawful unilateralism and violations of international law.
By voting against the UNHRC resolutions, the U.S. is complicit in the military occupation of Palestine. Rather than acting in accordance with international law, democracy and human rights, the U.S. made the decision to isolate itself at the expense of Palestinian rights, lives and lands.
It is up to governments worldwide to put an end to Israel’s continued annexation of Palestinian land and its destruction of the two-state solution; we call on the international community to intervene immediately and to exhibit the political will necessary to make Israel cease and desist its flagrant violations once and for all.”