African Countries Condemn Israeli Occupation at UN

Geneva, MINA – At the UN Human Rights Council meeting on Monday in Geneva, African countries called for the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, and for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continued violations of human rights.

Speaking at a general debate on Item 7 of the UNHRC agenda (the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories), the 54 member-strong African Group, represented by Togo’s Ousmane Salifou, called for an end to the Israeli military occupation of Palestine and the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, and condemned Israel for its excessive use of force against Palestinian demonstrators in the Gaza Strip.

Nigeria’s representative, Muhammad S. Isa, noted with concern Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine and its lack of will to implement the resolutions adopted by the United Nations. Nigeria reaffirmed its “support for the historic struggle of the Palestinian people” and condemned Israel’s excessive use of force against Palestinian protesters, PIC reported.

Senegalese representative, Malick Diallo, condemned Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement.

Guinea’s representative highlighted Israel’s use of expulsion policies against the Palestinian people. These included home demolitions and movement restrictions.

South Africa’s representative, Clinton Swemmer, labelled Israel’s policies against the Palestinian people as apartheid. Swemmer also said that Israel’s new Nation-State Bill denied non-Jews their basic human rights.

Representatives from Angola, Djibouti and Botswana also addressed the gathering, and spoke of the need for Israel to stop the construction of illegal settlements and adhere to international law.

Representing 28% of all UN members, the African Group reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The African Group also reminded the UNHRC of its obligation to act immediately to ensure that the Palestinian people are able to realize their right to self-determination, justice and freedom.(R/R04/RS5)
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)