There has been an 'urgent debate' of the UN Human Rights Council. Arab & Islamic Blocs have prepared a Resolution condemning Israel's 'raid on the Flotilla'.Below is the draft resolution submitted this morning by the Islamic and Arab blocs, co-sponsored with the Palestinian delegation. It calls for another 'Goldstone Report'-style inquiry, to perpetuate and increase global political pressure on Israel. Because they enjoy an automatic majority from the council's non-democracies like China, Cuba, and Russia, the resolution is certain to pass. Changes might come if the EU pushes for it.
To date, the 47-nation council - to which Colonel Qaddafi's Libyan dictatorship and slave-holding Mauritania were just elected - has devoted 33 out of its 40 censure resolutions to Israel, as well as six out of its nine special sessions dealing with countries. By contrast, well-publicised killings of innocent civilians this year in Iran, China, and Nigeria have been met with a yawn, indifference, and inaction.
Beneath the Human Rights Council's Resolution is the UN Security Council statement which was adopted early this morning in New York.
(NB Typos are from original text)
Draft Resolution L.1
Submitted on 1 June 2010 at 10.01 am
By Pakistan (Organization of the Islmaic Conference), Sudan (Arab Group), and Palestine
Agenda Item 1
The Grave Attacks by Israeli Forces Against the Humanitarian Boat Convoy
Guided by the purposes and the principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as by the provisions of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights,
Taking into consideration the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention for the protection of civilian persons in times of war of 12 August 1949,
Emphasizing the importance of the safety and well-being of all civilians including humanitarian personnel,
Expressing grave concern also at the deepening humanitarian crisis in Occupied Gaza,
Emphasizing the need to ensure sustained and regular flow of goods and people into Occupied Gaza and welcoming the initiatives aimed at creating and opening humanitarian corridors and other mechanisms for the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid;
1. Condemns in the strongest terms possible the outrageous attack by the Israeli forces against the humanitarian flotilla of ships which resulted in the killing and injuring of many innocent civilians from different countries;
2. Deeply deplores the loss of life of innocent civilians and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families;
3. Requests the ICRC to seek and provide information on the whereabouts status and condition of the detained and injured persons
4. Demands the Occupying Power Israel to immediately release all detained men and material and facilitate their safe return to their homelands.
5. Calls upon the Occupying power Israel to ensure the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment to the occupied Gaza strip;
6. Welcomes the statements of the Secretary General UN and the High Commissioner for Human Rights condemning the Israeli attacks and calls for the full accountability and credible independent inquiries into these attacks.
7. Decides to dispatch an independent international fact finding mission to investigate violations of international law resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance.
8. Decides to remain seized of this matter.
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U.N. Security Council Statement on Gaza Flotilla
June 1, 2001
The Security Council deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation in international waters against the convoy sailing to Gaza. The Council, in this context, condemns those acts which resulted in the loss of at least ten civilians and many wounded, and expresses its condolences to their families.
The Security Council requests the immediate release of the ships as well as the civilians held by Israel. The Council urges Israel to permit full consular access, to allow the countries concerned to retrieve their deceased and wounded immediately, and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance from the convoy to its destination.
The Security Council takes note of the statement of the UN Secretary-General on the need to have a full investigation into the matter and it calls for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards.
The Security Council stresses that the situation in Gaza is not sustainable. The Council re-emphasizes the importance of the full implementation of Resolutions 1850 and 1860. In that context, it reiterates its grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stresses the need for sustained and regular flow of goods and people to Gaza as well as unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
The Security Council underscores that the only viable solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an agreement negotiated between the parties and re-emphasizes that only a two-State solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours, could bring peace to the region.
The Security Council expresses support for the proximity talks and voices concern that this incident took place while the proximity talks are underway and urges the parties to act with restraint, avoiding any unilateral and provocative actions, and all international partners to promote an atmosphere of cooperation between the parties and throughout the region.
(Blessings to UN Watch)
