International observers on the ground can be a deterrent to the violations of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and also can promote human security against suicide and other attacks on Israeli civilians. In this context I endorse the call made on behalf of the EU before the Security Council on 30 March, by the Spanish Presidency, for a third party monitoring mechanism in the OPT and for observers to be present.
Speaking to the Security Council on 30 March the Secretary General said: "... security and peace must be addressed in parallel in the spirit of Security Council resolution 1397 and 1402. In other words we need to take into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel and the legitimate political aspirations of the Palestinians -at the same time."
I also endorse this analysis. These events are taking place at the very time when this Commission is in session. That must surely place an urgent duty on this Commission.
I have had occasion in the past to call for human rights observers to be stationed in the Occupied Territories and Special Rapporteur Dugard has done likewise.
Today I ask a simple question: When the Security Council has situations where it feels there is a particular need to brief itself it sends a visiting mission. Would it not be right for this Commission to dispatch immediately a visiting mission that would travel to the area and return expeditiously to the Commission with their finding and recommendations. Surely, the protection of human rights would require such a step as a very minimum?
The situation in the Occupied Territories is well known to us all. I say to you simply but with all the force I can: I call you to conscience. I invite you to let conscience move in this situation taking place before our very eyes.
Thank you.
Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Speaking to the Security Council on 30 March the Secretary General said: "... security and peace must be addressed in parallel in the spirit of Security Council resolution 1397 and 1402. In other words we need to take into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel and the legitimate political aspirations of the Palestinians -at the same time."
I also endorse this analysis. These events are taking place at the very time when this Commission is in session. That must surely place an urgent duty on this Commission.
I have had occasion in the past to call for human rights observers to be stationed in the Occupied Territories and Special Rapporteur Dugard has done likewise.
Today I ask a simple question: When the Security Council has situations where it feels there is a particular need to brief itself it sends a visiting mission. Would it not be right for this Commission to dispatch immediately a visiting mission that would travel to the area and return expeditiously to the Commission with their finding and recommendations. Surely, the protection of human rights would require such a step as a very minimum?
The situation in the Occupied Territories is well known to us all. I say to you simply but with all the force I can: I call you to conscience. I invite you to let conscience move in this situation taking place before our very eyes.
Thank you.
Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights