Malaysia greatly welcomes the resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) calling on all countries to finish the sale, transfer and illicit use of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment to Israel.
In an announcement last Friday (April 5), Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wisma Putra stressed the importance of all countries ensuring that Israel complies with its obligations under international law, including the effective implementation of this resolution.
The statement reiterated that Malaysia supports and co-finances the resolution initiated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It also states that the adoption of this resolution is in step with Malaysia’s continued support on the UN Human Rights Council to guard Palestinians from gross human rights violations committed by Israel.
Malaysia firmly reaffirms its commitment to the Palestinian cause and commits to proceed working towards the conclusion of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Additionally, Malaysia is looking for full Palestinian membership within the United Nations.
The resolution stressed the urgent need for a right away ceasefire, condemned using starvation as a war strategy in Gaza, and warned against large-scale Israeli military operations in Rafah. This marks a major moment within the history of the UN Human Rights Council because it is the primary resolution to directly address the escalation of violence in Gaza since October 2023.
The resolution titled “The human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice” was adopted on the fifty fifth session of the UNHRC in Geneva last Friday (5 April).
The resolution was approved by 28 out of 47 Council member states, with 6 against and 13 abstaining. It was proposed by Pakistan on behalf of all OIC member states except Albania. According to international media reports, along with calling for a right away ceasefire, the resolution also called for urgent access and humanitarian assistance.
