UN Unit Condemns Israel

The United Nations Human Rights Commission adopted a two-part draft resolution yesterday that condemns Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Arab territories–including East Jerusalem–as “war crimes and an affront to humanity” and demands the return of displaced Palestinians and other to their homes and property.

The second section of the resolution, Part B, was adopted by a 28-1 margin with 10 abstentions in the roll-call vote, and the first section, Part A, by a vote of 28-3 with eight abstentions. The United Sates was the only nation to vote against Part B and was one of three to vote against Part A. The others were Canada and Holland. Israel is not a member of the Human Rights Commission but has observer status.

The voting culminated a week-long debate an Israeli policies and practices in the occupied territories. Part A of the resolution calls on Israel to take immediate steps for the return of the Palestinians and other displaced inhabitants of the occupied Arab territories to their homes and property. Part B concerns the application of the 1949 Geneva Convention to protect civilian populations in time of war to all Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including East Jerusalem.

It expresses deep concern at the consequences of Israel’s refusal to apply the Geneva covenant fully and effectively and its failure to acknowledge the applicability of the convention. It calls on Israel to abide by and respect the obligations arising from the UN Charter and other instruments and rules of international law, including the provisions of the convention.

Among the countries that supported Part B were: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Soviet Union, Syria and Yugoslavia. Abstaining were Canada, Denmark, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Ivory Coast, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal and United Kingdom.