UNGA79: STRENGTHENING OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM – ITEM 123
19 December 2024
Explanation of Vote delivered by H.E. Ms Rebecca Bryant, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
Thank you President,
The United Nations system was created in the aftermath of the most catastrophic conflict in history, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.
It was established to support United Nations member states to work collectively and constructively to maintain international peace and security, protect and uphold human rights, and resolve humanitarian crises.
Crises like the one that we gather to discuss today.
Hamas’ horrific October 7 attacks on Israel saw 1,200 innocent lives lost, with more than 200 taken hostage.
The subsequent conflict has seen a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 13,000 children.
Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.1 million people have lost their homes and do not have enough water, food, medicine or shelter.
President,
As a constructive middle power, Australia approaches United Nations resolutions to try to achieve the best outcomes we can.
We don’t always get everything we want. We have said that if we believe a resolution, on balance, will contribute to peace and a two-state solution, we will vote for it.
We have abstained on this vote because we do not agree that pursuing this International Court of Justice advisory opinion will make an immediate and practical difference in bringing us closer to peace or to a two-state solution.
The International Court of Justice has already issued binding orders on Israel, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale.
Australia has been clear that Israel must comply with these binding orders.
Australia is a strong defender of international law, including the International Court of Justice. We will remain so.
Israel’s obligations under international law are clear – they are enshrined in customary international law and reflected in the Geneva Conventions.
It is already clear that Israel has obligations under international law to facilitate rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to alleviate suffering.
Hamas’ obligations, as a party to the conflict, are also clear – and we condemn Hamas’ ongoing acts of terror; use of human shields; and use of civilian infrastructure to launch attacks on Israel.
Hamas does not want peace, and it does not want to alleviate suffering.
What is clear is we need urgent action for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel.
We need an immediate ceasefire. We need the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
We welcome recent reports of progress towards a ceasefire, and encourage all parties to work urgently so that hostages can be released and aid can flow.
We need Israel, the United Nations and the entire international community to come together, rebuild trust, and work collectively towards this effort.
As the Security Council has said, “UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and throughout the OPTs. No organisation can replace or substitute UNRWA’s capacity and mandate to serve Palestinian refugees and civilians in urgent need of life-saving humanitarian assistance.”
This is why we join the Security Council in expressing grave concern over legislation adopted by the Israeli Knesset, and this is why we have not voted against this resolution.
We note UNRWA’s measures to terminate the employment of UNRWA staff members following the 7 October atrocities carried out by Hamas, and we acknowledge the commitment made by the United Nations Secretary-General and UNRWA to implement fully the recommendations of the Independent Review led by Catherine Colonna.
Any involvement or affiliation with terrorist organisations cannot be tolerated, and Australia will continue to press the United Nations and UNRWA to safeguard the organisation’s neutrality.
Australia remains resolute in our commitment to supporting an end to this conflict, to stop the suffering and to immediately and unconditionally to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Thank you.