United Nations, November 15 (RHC)-- The United States has voted against a United Nations resolution in favor of the Palestinian people to self-determination.   Political observers noted that while the vote was not surprising, it was interesting that Washington would be so obvious in its staunch support of Israel's campaign of ethnic cleansing. 

According to a UN report, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) sent nine draft resolutions to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, including texts on the elimination of violence against women and girls, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the report of the Human Rights Council.

Some texts sparked contention.  Among them was the draft titled, “Intensification of efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls: the digital environment” (A/C.3/79/L.17/Rev.1), which was approved by a vote of 170 in favor, 1 against (Argentina) with 13 abstentions.

In other notable action, the Committee approved — by a vote of 170 in favour to 6 against (Argentina, Israel, Micronesia, Nauru, Paraguay, United States), with 9 abstentions (Kiribati, Liberia, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu) — the draft “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” (A/C.3/79/L.49). 

By the text, the Assembly would stress the urgency of achieving, without delay, an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, reaffirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.   It would urge all States and the United Nations specialized agencies and organizations to continue to support the Palestinian people in the early realization of their right to self-determination. 

The representative of Egypt, introducing the draft on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, underscored that the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination — that is, to live in their independent and sovereign State and decide their own political, cultural and economic development, without any control or threat by a foreign party.  Recalling the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, which determined that Israel must end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as soon as possible, she also applauded those countries that have recently recognized the State of Palestine.

“There is no derogation from the exercise of the right to self-determination,” said the Observer for the State of Palestine.  Underscoring that the Palestinian people’s ability to exercise this right is systematically violated and suppressed by Israel’s unlawful occupation, she stated:  “The Israeli Government claims the right to occupy, build settlements, annex our land and forcibly displace our people”.  Reaffirming international law, this draft stresses the urgency to end the Israeli occupation.