Yesterday, 9th September, H.E. Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann made the following statement at the General Debate item 2 of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council:

My Delegation thanks the High Commissioner for his comprehensive oral update. The Order of Malta shares his deep concerns regarding the non-respect and erosion of international human rights and humanitarian law world-wide.

In this context we are particularly troubled by the situation in Gaza; the scale of human suffering has become unimaginable. Humanitarian aid must be granted immediately, with clear guarantees of safety and security for both the civilian population and aid workers. As stated by our delegation at the United Nations High Level International Conference on Palestine in New York end July “The Order of Malta stands ready to offer its full support to reconstruction and development efforts across the Palestinian territories”.

Also in Ukraine, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta in his address to the 4th Ukraine Recovery Conference (Rome 10/07/2025) said: “The deliberate targeting of civilians and relief operators, as well as the planned destruction of social services and infrastructure, are totally unacceptable”. Active for over 30 years, the Order is providing medical, social and psychological assistance and safe shelter for the displaced in Ukraine and neighbouring countries supporting around 4 million people.

In Syria where the human rights situation remains of concern, the Order of Malta, is further expanding its assistance while supporting the new government’s initiative to protect all communities, including Christians, who have always been a vital component of Syrian society, and must be included in the ongoing reform and reconstruction process.

The Order’s mission has always been to help the poor and the sick, without any discrimination, while advancing human rights and religious freedom as foundations of peace and prosperity.

Thank you.