STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 56th Session.
Item 2 - ID with COI on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Norway.
Check against delivery
19 June 2024
President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States.
Our countries have condemned Hamas’ terror attacks of October 7. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
We thank the IICoI for its reporting, and note with concern reports of violations of international law, including IHL, and massive human rights violations in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. We stress the need to cooperate with relevant HRC mechanisms and to fully respect their mandate and independence. The IICoI should be granted access [to all areas].
We welcome the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735, with a roadmap leading to an enduring ceasefire, release of hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. We urge both parties to fully implement it without delay. The fighting and suffering must end now.
There is a need to ensure accountability for violations of international law by all parties. We reiterate our support for the work and independence of the international judicial institutions, including the ICC and the ICJ, and urge all sides to respect international law, including IHL. We further stress Israel’s obligation to comply with the provisional measures issued by the ICJ.
It is crucial to restore hope of a two-state solution based on internationally recognized borders and international law, including the right to self-determination. Israelis and Palestinians have a right to live in peace, dignity and security.
Thank you.