MALAYSIA SUPPORTED THE RESOLUTION “PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS AND UPHOLDING LEGAL AND HUMANITARIAN OBLIGATIONS” AT THE RESUMED 10TH EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
MALAYSIA SUPPORTED THE RESOLUTION
“PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS AND UPHOLDING LEGAL AND HUMANITARIAN
OBLIGATIONS” AT THE RESUMED 10TH EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Malaysia supported and co-sponsored a resolution entitled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations”, which was adopted during the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session (ESS) of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 12 December 2023 with an overwhelming 153 affirmative votes, 10 against and 23 abstentions.
Through the resolution, the General Assembly expressed its grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The Assembly further called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring unhindered humanitarian access. All parties are urged to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians.
The resounding support for the resolution by a group of cross-regional countries reflects the unwavering commitment of the international community to find a just, lasting, and peaceful settlement to the Palestine-Israel conflict. This is made even more urgent given the grim humanitarian tragedy currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip due to relentless Israeli aggression.
It was obvious that the Security Council failed to discharge its responsibilities. Therefore, the adoption of the resolution reaffirms the vital role of the General Assembly on matters related to international peace and security. The Security Council must not ignore the demands of the majority over the selfish needs of the few.
Malaysia reiterates that the only durable solution to the shattering catastrophe is by granting the Palestinians their own independent and sovereign state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital.
The 10th ESS was resumed on 12 December 2023 at a joint request by the Arab Group and Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The request was made following the veto cast by the United States at the Security Council on 8 December 2023 against a resolution that would demand an immediate ceasefire to stop the senseless bloodshed in Gaza.
Malaysia, along with Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Maldives, Namibia, South Africa, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Türkiye, supported the joint request.
PUTRAJAYA
13 December 2023