France Recognises Palestinian State as UN General Assembly Focuses on Two-State Solution
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This was a long-awaited moment.
President emmanuel Macron of France opened the UN conference on the two-state solution and within minutes had delivered his historic proclamation.
“I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine,” he told delegates.
Applause broke out in the General Assembly hall with members of the Palestinian mission to the UN giving the French president a standing ovation.
Several other UN member states including Australia, Belgium, Portugal, Canada, Luxembourg, and Malta followed suit.
A few rows away, the seats of the United States and Israel sat empty, with both countries boycotting the event and calling it a “reward for terror”.
The French president said that France would never forget the victims of the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October and called for the immediate release of Israeli hostages.
“We certainly know that [Israel] cannot show weakness in the face of terrorism, but we also know the perils of endless wars,” he said.
Israel was further extending its military operation in Gaza, with the stated objective of destroying Hamas but there were hundreds of thousands of people displaced, injured, famished, traumatised with their lives still being destroyed.
“Today, hear, 142 states are proposing this peace,” Mr Macron told the conference.
“They’re extending out their hands ready to be shaken,” he said, “so yes, the time has come to put an end to the war in gaza…right now”.
“Urgency is what drives us,” he said.
He said that France would open an embassy subject to reform of the Palestinian Authority, a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.
Next up, the UN chief Antonio Guterres started his speech expressing “disappointment” that members of the Palestinian Authority, including President Mahmoud Abbas, had been denied visas to enter the United Nations. The US State Department cited “national security” reasons.
He asked delegates what the alternative to a two-state solution was.
“A one-state scenario where Palestinians are denied basic rights,expelled from their homes and their land,forced to live under perpetual occupation,discrimination and subjugation?”
“How is this possible in the 21st Century? How is it acceptable? This is neither peace nor justice,” he said.
“It will only increase the growing isolation of Israel on the global stage and let’s be clear, statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” he said, “and denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere”.
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the conference by video, commending the hosts Saudi Arabia and France for convening the event.
“we call for your support so that Palestine becomes a full-fledged member of the United nations,” he said.
In his address, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The only way to end the appalling cycle of violence is to forge a political path, and the only credible destination is a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.”
Ireland Launches Bid for UN Human Rights Council Seat,Pledges Increased Aid to sudan and Highlights Global Rights Concerns
Ireland has formally launched its bid for membership on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term,emphasizing the urgent need to defend multilateralism and address a rising “anti-rights agenda” globally. The announcement, made on September 23, 2024, was accompanied by a commitment of an additional €3 million in aid to sudan, bringing Ireland’s total contribution to the country in 2024 to €14.3 million. https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0923/1441481-ireland-un-human-rights-council/
A Response to Eroding Multilateralism
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs simon Harris framed Ireland’s bid as a crucial step in bolstering the UN system at a time when it faces increasing challenges. He warned of a growing “anti-rights agenda” and highlighted the devastating humanitarian crises unfolding in Yemen, Sudan, and Gaza. Harris drew a direct connection to Ireland’s own history, stating that the experience of the Great Famine compels the nation to respond to famine conditions elsewhere.
“We are facing efforts to undermine multilateralism and the UN system that we all value,” Harris stated at the launch. https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0923/1441481-ireland-un-human-rights-council/
Gaza and the Call for Accountability
Former President Mary Robinson, speaking in support of Ireland’s bid, delivered a stark condemnation of the situation in Gaza, describing the ongoing events as a “purposeful famine and unfolding genocide.” She emphasized the moral imperative for international action, stating, “It is indeed a stain on our conscience.” Her remarks underscore the urgency with which Ireland views the need for a strong and effective Human Rights council.
Increased Aid to Sudan Amidst Humanitarian Crisis
The announcement of increased aid to Sudan reflects Ireland’s commitment to addressing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, as designated by the UN. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1148847 Minister of State for International Progress Neale Richmond defended the aid contribution,stating,”Ireland’s money will save lives,” and emphasized the need for other nations to increase their support.
“No one else is stepping up to the plate, so ireland needs to step up the plate,” Richmond said, adding a call for greater contributions from other EU member states. https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0923/1441481-ireland-un-human-rights-council/
What is the UN human Rights Council?
The UN Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. It is comprised of 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly. The council meets at least three times a year to discuss thematic human rights issues and specific country situations. It also conducts Universal Periodic Reviews of all UN member states’ human rights records. https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/pages/hrcindex.aspx
Ireland’s Human Rights Record and Priorities
Ireland has a long-standing commitment to human rights, both domestically and internationally. The country has been a vocal advocate for issues such as gender equality, climate justice, and the rights of marginalized communities. If elected to the Human Rights Council,Ireland is expected to prioritize:
* Strengthening the multilateral system: Advocating for a robust and effective UN Human Rights Council.
* Addressing humanitarian crises: Providing aid and advocating for solutions to conflicts and disasters.
* Promoting accountability: Supporting investigations into human rights violations and ensuring perpetrators are held responsible.