President Dr Mohamed Muizzu denounced the failure of the United Nations Security Council on taking decisive measures to put an end to the suffering in Gaza, stating that the veto not only failed to demand a ceasefire, but it is enabling potential war crimes and has now made millions across the world question the value of humanity and the United Nations. This bold statement was made in his message, which was delivered at the 45th Plenary Meeting of the tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly held in New York today.
On the President’s behalf, the statement was delivered by the Chargé d’affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Maldives to the United Nations, Dr Ibrahim Zuhuree.
The President stressed that the United Nations was created 78 years ago to make sure that the world would not witness the atrocities of the Second World War, adding that the United Nations Security Council was mandated to guarantee and uphold international peace and security. He reiterated the Maldives' call to the International Criminal Court to investigate possible war crimes committed by the occupying power, Israel, against the Palestinian people.
President Dr Muizzu also stated that Palestinians have been suffering under Israel’s occupation and its apartheid-like policies long before October 7, 2023. He condemned the double standards in upholding human rights and urged the General Assembly to increase pressure on all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, with a particular focus on the protection of civilians. He additionally called for increased international pressure on the Israeli government to stop the expansion of illegal settlements and the economic isolation of Palestinians.
The emergency session was held at the request of Egypt and Mauritania, invoking the UN General Assembly Resolution 377, "Uniting for Peace". The President's message noted that the Maldives co-sponsored the resolution, which demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the assurance of unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas affected by the conflict.
The Maldives has voiced grave concern over the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza at various forums of the United Nations, including the General Assembly, Human Rights Council and Security Council.
The Government and the people of the Maldives remain in unwavering and steadfast solidarity with the people of Palestine, their inalienable right to self-determination in an independent and sovereign State of Palestine established on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
