Geneva: Oman speech to UN Human Rights Council
Idris bin Abdul Rahman Alkhanjari, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and other International organisations in Geneva, delivered a speech at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
In the speech, the Ambassador expressed deep concern over the ongoing consequences of the war in Gaza, which has caused immense human loss, leaving tens of thousands of innocent civilians killed or injured over more than 13 months.
Ambassador Alkhanjari emphasised the need for the international community to unite its efforts to overcome the challenges currently hindering multilateral cooperation.
The speech called for adherence to the principles of objectivity and justice, avoiding politicisation and selectivity. The Ambassador pointed out that the conflict has clearly exposed the inability of international institutions to uphold their responsibilities in stopping the brutal crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people.
In his speech, the Ambassador also stated that the crisis has demonstrated how human rights principles, which are supposed to serve as a global reference, have often been reduced to mere slogans dictated by political interests and influence. This has led to the justification of genocide, forced displacement, and continuous violations that the Palestinian people have endured for years.
He added that while many international institutions have failed to provide the necessary humanitarian aid, or take decisive action to end the war, some Western countries have refused even symbolic measures in support of the Palestinian people, claiming that such actions would threaten Israeli interests.
The Ambassador highlighted that the world now stands at a crossroads in the pursuit of a global community based on cooperation, mutual respect, adherence to international law, and the protection of human rights for all peoples.
He said that the time has come to revitalise the role of UN institutions, including the Human Rights Council, to make them more representative, credible and effective in addressing key global issues. These institutions should serve as a platform for hope and sustainable peace, he added.