HRC 55th session – H.E Ambassdor’s Statement on occupied Palestine territory

H.E. Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann, Permanent Observer, addressed the 55th session of the Human Rights Council on 26 March 2024, focusing on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories since 1967.

The Ambassador expressed deep concern over the distressing human rights conditions in Gaza as reported by the Special Rapporteur, particularly the violations of international law affecting civilians and healthcare facilities. The deteriorating situation in the West Bank was also highlighted.

The Sovereign Order of Malta, through its relief agency Malteser International, has been actively providing emergency assistance to families in Gaza in collaboration with German organizations and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, despite challenges in access and security.

Ambassador Pictet-Althann endorsed the Special Rapporteur’s call for an independent investigation into the violations and urged the High Commissioner’s Office to intensify efforts to halt the atrocities in Gaza.

The Order of Malta calls upon the international community to make every possible effort to end the escalation and the spiral of violence, to protect human lives and create the conditions for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.