Special Session
Geneva
5 July, 2006



Mr. President,  

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and the Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania. EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area aligns itself with this statement.

According to the resolution establishing the Human Rights Council, General Assembly resolution 60/251, the Council can hold special sessions when needed. As we now convene to the first special session of the Human Rights Council, let me express the importance the EU attaches to this possibility to discuss urgent situations or issues of concern in the spirit outlined by resolution 60/251.

Mr. President,

The European Union is extremely concerned about the situation which has evolved over the last week between Israel and the Palestinians and calls on all parties to abstain from any actions that are in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. The European Union reminds all parties of their responsibility to protect civilian lives.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier. The European Union strongly condemns the murder of the Israeli victim of a kidnapping in the West Bank. We call on the Palestinian leadership to bring an end to violence and terrorist activities, including the firing of rockets on Israeli territory.

The European Union is particularly concerned about the detention of elected members of the Palestinian Government and legislature. Those detained should be accorded their full legal rights in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

Notwithstanding Israel’s legitimate right of self defence, ongoing military operations should be in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law. We call on Israel to exercise the utmost restraint and to avoid disproportionate action. We regret the destruction of Palestinian institutions and essential infrastructure, which contributes to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Restoring electricity and water supplies and access for humanitarian organisations must be a priority now to avoid a humanitarian crisis.

The European Union emphasises the primacy of diplomatic means and calls upon all parties in the region to make every effort possible to resolve the current situation by peaceful means. We reaffirm our conviction that only a negotiated two-State solution can bring peace and security to the Israeli and the Palestinian people. A return to the peace process and to the implementation of the Roadmap is therefore imperative. We ask that both parties meet their responsibilities and demonstrate urgently an active commitment to the search for a negotiated solution.

Mr. President,

The Human Rights Council should strive to make an efficient contribution to the protection and promotion of all human rights for all. The EU therefore expects this special session to enhance dialogue and seek common ground needed to promote the realization of human rights of all individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

 

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