A special meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held today in Geneva, on the occasion of the visit of His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, His Excellency Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein addressed the Special meeting. In his remarks, the High Commissioner stated that “violence cannot be the answer” and that “the Middle East peace process must now be reactivated with an unprecedented sense of purpose. A lasting peace must now be obtained” for both Israel and Palestine.
During the statement delivered at the Special Meeting by President Abbas, he noted that Israel breaches systematically and regularly international humanitarian and human rights laws. President Abbas further called on the international community to move from merely talking about justice of Palestinian cause, and to acts which would actually serve such justice”. President Abbas added that it is no longer useful to waste time in negotiations, for the sake of negotiations.
In the statement, President Abbas also requested the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities and to establish a special regime for the protection of the Palestinian people, During his address President Abbas stated that "I come to you from Palestine, the land of prophets and religions, relaying a message of hope and tolerance" and further added that 'I extend an honest hand to the Israeli people.. as peace is still within reach”.
Dr. Hala Hameed, Ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and staff at the Maldives Mission to the United Nations Offices in Geneva attended the meeting today on behalf of the Government of Maldives.
The Maldives remains steadfast in its support to the plight of the Palestinian people. Maldives also recently attended the first flag raising ceremony of Palestine held in Geneva on 13 October 2015.
Ambassador at Large Dr. Hala Hameed represents the Maldives at the Special Meeting of the HRC
