Dr. Ashrawi on the 23rd Human Rights Council Opening Address
In response to yesterday’s opening statement at the 23rd session of the Human Rights Council by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay, PLO Executive Committee member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi said:
“We welcome High Commissioner Pillay’s opening statement at the 23rd session of the Human Rights Council, her concern for ‘the widespread detention of Palestinians – nearly 5,000 of whom are currently detained by Israel, many without charges,’ and the condemnation of Israel’s continued illegal settlement campaign which is “a blatant violation of international law.’”
Dr. Ashrawi stressed, “In light of Israel's most recent escalation of settlement activities and the rise of settler violence, particularly in and around Jerusalem, and the increase in home demolitions and the displacement of Palestinians, we call on the United Nations, European Union, the United States, and other members of the international community to bring Israel to compliance with international law and agreements and to curb Israeli violations, as well as to hold Israel accountable for its deliberate breach of international and humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
“Now is the time for the international community to stand up to Israel and salvage the chances for peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with EastJerusalem as its capital before it is too late,” concluded Dr. Ashrawi.