Human Rights Council - 12th Session
Item 7, Australian Statement
H.E. Caroline Millar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
29 September 2009
Mr President
Australia was deeply saddened by the tragic events of December-January in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.
Australia’s strong support for Israel’s right to self defence is clear. Australia remains greatly concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Since late 2007, Australia has provided extensive development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian Territories, since the conflict in Gaza.
During the conflict, Australia said it was incumbent upon all parties to do everything they could to avoid civilian casualties. We said that we expect all parties to abide by and respect human rights and international humanitarian law.
We listened carefully to Justice Goldstone this morning on the results of the Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza conflict. Australia again calls on the parties to undertake the proper investigation of any allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Our preference is that consideration of the Report of the Fact-Finding Mission remains within the Human Rights Council. We strongly share concerns expressed by some other delegations on the balance, scope and recommendations in the report.
Mr President
All efforts to secure a just and enduring peace in the Middle East must be pursued as a matter of urgency.
Australia’s long-standing position is that peace between Israel and the Palestinians has to be predicated on a two-state solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians can exist in peace and security, within their own defined borders. We welcome last week’s meeting between President Obama, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas in New York and strongly urge the parties to pursue this objective in Washington this week.
Mr President
The Australian Government urges all parties to the ongoing conflict to work towards a just and enduring resolution to a tragedy affecting two peoples. And we stand ready to provide what assistance we can.