Ramallah:United Nations Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Minister Riyad Mansour, emphasized the importance of implementing the rights affirmed in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action for all peoples, without exception, during a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly.
According to Palestine news andInformation Agency, Mansour highlighted the commitment made by the international community 25 years ago in Durban to confront racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and to protect the dignity and equality of every human being. He welcomed the adoption of the political declaration and reaffirmation of the Durban Declaration, noting its particular significance for the Palestinian people.
Mansour pointed out that the Durban Declaration recognized the plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation and their inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state, alongside the security rights of all regional states. He lamented that Palestinians continue to suffer under illegal occupation, facing genocide, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid, instead of realizing their right to self-determination.
He stressed the necessity of moving from statements to action, from condemnation to accountability, and from declarations of solidarity to actual implementation, particularly concerning colonialism, forced displacement, and the annexation of Palestinian land. Mansour cited Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemns the acquisition of territory by force and the expansion of Israeli settlements, and highlighted that developments on the ground are contrary to this resolution.
Mansour warned against the colonial 'E1' plan, intended to eliminate the Palestinian state and hinder peace, as described by Israeli leaders. He reiterated the Palestinian principles against occupation, annexation, and forced displacement, calling for the reunification of Palestinian territories and the realization of self-determination.
He emphasized that international law and Security Council resolutions must be upheld equally, without selectivity, and called for accountability measures for illegal settlement expansion and colonist attacks. Mansour referenced an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, declaring Israel's presence in occupied territories unlawful, and urged states to support Palestinian self-determination by not contributing to illegal settlements.
Mansour concluded by emphasizing the need for protection, humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Gaza, asserting that the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and freedom are inalienable and essential for a peaceful Middle East.