Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice

55th session of the Human Rights Council: Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice. Statement by Nordic and Baltic States, 29 February 2024

Mr. President,

I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.

We thank the High Commissioner for his important reporting. We strongly support the independent work of his Office.

The suffering of civilians in Gaza is horrific. There are no safe places. People lack the necessities to survive. This conflict severely traumatizes an entire generation on both sides, especially children.

We condemn the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas against civilians. Hamas must release all remaining hostages immediately and without any preconditions and stop the practice of using civilians as human shields. Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law.

For the sake of civilians in Gaza, we strongly echo the calls of the High Commissioner. We reiterate the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law and to respect the legally binding order of the International Court of Justice. We ask the Israeli Government not to take military action in Rafah that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation.

The Nordic and Baltic States support all efforts for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire for life-saving aid to reach Gazans, accountability for violations by all parties and a credible and irreversible path towards a negotiated two-state solution. Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety, dignity and peace.  

Thank you.