Australia backs Israel at UNHRC
BOTH Australia and Denmark stood up for Israel on Monday at the opening session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
BOTH Australia and Denmark stood up for Israel on Monday at the opening session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
They called on the UNHRC to stop its biased treatment of Israel by eliminating the controversial Agenda Item 7 which singles out the Jewish State.
Human rights allegations against all other UN member states are debated under Agenda Item 4. Only Israel has its own separate listing on the agenda.
Addressing the opening session, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said, “Consistent with our view that a strong, accountable and credible United Nations contributes to peace, stability and dignity worldwide, Australia will continue to work with all states to strengthen this council.
“Part of these efforts must be to ensure a balanced agenda which considers the human rights challenges of all member states. As has been our longstanding position since the inception of the Human Rights Council in 2006, for over 12 years, Australia opposes in principle the existence of Item 7 of the Agenda of the Council.”
She continued, “It is our firm view that a separate agenda item focusing on a single country situation – in this case Israel – is inappropriate. It does not occur in any other context, for any other country.”
Payne added, “Australia continues to advocate for international efforts which enhance prospects for a two-state solution where Israel and a future Palestinian state exist side by side in peace within internationally recognised borders.”
The sentiment was echoed by Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen who said, “As a member, Denmark will work for a council that treats all states in an equal and fair manner. It undermines the credibility of this council and its members when it insists on singling out one country, Israel, a democracy, under its own agenda item.”
WITH THE JERUSALEM POST
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