STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR H.S. PURI, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA AT THE 59TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

AGENDA ITEM 8: QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES, INCLUDING PALESTINE.

Madame Chairperson,

The tragic developments in the Middle East have been a cause of widespread international concern. Last year the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories was the subject of intense scrutiny and debate in this Commission, leading up to the convening of a Special Sitting of this Commission. It is a matter of deep regret for the Indian delegation that the situation has not improved since then, and the suffering of innocent men, women and children on account of the endless cycle of violence and counter-violence continues.

India has historically been unwavering in its support for the Palestinian cause ever since we became independent in 1947. We voted against the partition of Palestine, and recognised the PLO as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. India has consistently supported the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. We recognised the State of Palestine in 1988, and opened our Representative Office to the Palestinian National Authority in 1996.

India has extended its full support to the vision contained in UN Security Council Resolution 1397 of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognised borders. We fully endorse UN Security Council Resolution 1402 and 1403, which call on both parties to move immediately to a meaningful cease-fire, and for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities, including Ramallah. We support the various peace initiatives of the international community - such as that contained in President Bush's June 24, 2002 speech, the Quartet Roadmap and the Saudi initiated Arab Peace Plan - to stabilise the situation on the ground and initiate negotiations towards a political solution.

During the last decade of the Middle East Peace Process, India has executed a number of projects and programs worth several million dollars, aimed at capacity building and institutional support. This is in addition to regular assistance in the form of student fellowships, technical cooperation programmes and financial support to UNRWA. We have reiterated our support for the Palestinian people, and conveyed our readiness to assist in whatever way we can to the Palestinian leadership, with whom we have maintained regular contact.

We remain gravely concerned by the serious deterioration of the security situation in West Asia. We are deeply disturbed by the turn of events since September 2000. We have repeatedly called for de-escalation. These events have caused great suffering to the two peoples and adversely affected regional stability. Security and human rights are closely interlinked. A secure environment and the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace are essential prerequisites for the promotion and protection of human rights.

The tragic cycle of violence and counter-violence that has engulfed the West Asia region in the last couple of years has been damaging to peace and stability. It is a matter of global concern. The world has watched the incidents of violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and other parts of the Palestinian National Authority and Israel with growing consternation.

This spiral of violence and counter-violence re-enforces the international community's conviction that there is no military solution to this essentially political problem. It also exacerbates an already serious socio-economic crisis on both sides, as evidenced by falling living standards and growing unemployment levels. A recent World Bank report has clearly brought out that the Palestinian economy is in severe recession. Unemployment has tripled to almost one-third of the work-force. Real incomes have fallen by almost 30 percent, and the proportion of the poor has doubled since late 2000. These trends need to be addressed and reversed by the international community on an urgent basis.

Both sides must cease all acts of violence and fully cooperate with the efforts of the international community. There must be immediate, parallel and accelerated movement towards tangible political progress and a defined series of steps leading to permanent peace involving recognition, normalisation and security between the two sides.

We urge all sides to observe the utmost restraint in order to facilitate an early resumption of serious and meaningful negotiations for a just and durable peace in this strife-torn region.

India remains convinced that the Palestinian people will succeed in the realisation of their national aspirations. We are vitally interested in peace, development and stability in the region and stand ready to assist in whatever way we can.

Madame Chairperson,

While it is incumbent on all of us to work together to advance the peace process in West Asia, ultimately it is the parties themselves that have to shoulder the major responsibility for achieving a permanent and lasting solution. There has to be a spirit of accommodation and political will in the negotiation process to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. Meanwhile, we cannot lose sight of the fact that human rights standards and International Humanitarian Law are universal and should be respected by all sides.