United nations: The United Nations General Assembly convened a high-level meeting today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, drawing extensive participation from member states. The session was inaugurated with remarks from the President of the General Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, followed by statements from several nations, including Palestine, represented by its Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Riyad Mansour.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Mansour addressed the assembly, stressing that the declaration is not merely a historical document but embodies a binding natural law affirming that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. He highlighted that the right to self-determination is central to the UN Charter's purposes and principles and stands as one of the most decisive principles within the international system.
Mansour pointed out that while the declaration marked a historic moment for many nations, contributing to their freedom and independence, it remains an unfulfilled promise for the Palestinian people, delayed for decades and leading to severe humanitarian consequences. He emphasized that the declaration's words continue to resonate in the occupied Palestinian territories and among millions of Palestinians in the diaspora, reminding them of the ongoing injustice and sustaining their belief that freedom will eventually prevail.
Further, Mansour underscored that the declaration asserts the right of all peoples to self-determination and views subjugation under foreign control as a violation of fundamental human rights, contrary to the UN Charter, and detrimental to international peace and cooperation.
In this context, he referenced the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in 2024, which affirmed that the right to self-determination under foreign occupation is a peremptory norm of international law. The opinion stated that Israel's practices of annexation and enforcing permanent control over the occupied Palestinian territory render its presence illegal.
Mansour called for the immediate cessation of this illegal colonial occupation, affirming that the Palestinian people remain at the UN's threshold, awaiting the realization of their freedom and independence akin to other peoples. He concluded by asserting that the time for a free Palestine has long come, and the Palestinian people must assume their rightful place among the nations as a free people exercising their inalienable right to self-determination.
