Sri Lanka aligning itself with the statement by the Non Aligned Movement said it recognised the legitimate and inalienable right of the people of Palestine to statehood and to the natural resources in their territory.
Speaking at the General Debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, during the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council Sri Lanka’s representative Ms. Dayani Mendis reiterated the country’s long held ‘principled position’ on this matter.
“Any form of annexation, irrespective of its size, would constitute a violation of international law, jeopardise prospects for a peaceful settlement to the issue and cause destabilisation of peace and security in the Middle East.”
Recent UN reports, including that of the Secretary General, have indicated continued human rights violations of the Palestinian people in the OPT. We, therefore, urge Israel to abandon completely its annexation plans as well as similar activities, and respect the rights of the Palestinian people to fundamental freedoms and security. We echo the expectation of the Secretary General that the recent agreement would lead to an opportunity for re-engagement for constructive and meaningful negotiations to resolve conflict in line with the two-state solution based on relevant UN resolutions and international law. “We note with concern the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and in Israel consequent to Covid-19 and urge both parties to work in cooperation with the international community in the fight against the pandemic. We encourage both parties to exercise maximum restraint.”