Third Committee -- Explanation of Position on A/C.3/64/L.61 and A/C.3/64/L.63, "Report of the Human Rights Council" (Agenda Item 64)

Ms. Keren Shahar-Ben Ami
First Secretary
23 November 2009

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

Israel has growing concerns of a significant part of the work and methods of work of the Human Rights Council, as reflected in the report before us. Israel, nevertheless decided this year to join consensus on the resolution before you, in the spirit of constructive engagement, and in the hope that the Council will make a shift to professional, even handed treatment of the human rights, to start earning the legitimacy and credibility it has so far failed to gain.

Regrettably, the Report of the Human Rights Council considered today, continues the path of its discredited predecessors, containing fundamental flaws and misrepresentations of fact and law which irreparably taint its credibility. It continues to adopt a discriminatory approach in addressing – and neglecting - human rights situations, in particular with regard to its treatment of the conflict in the middle east, in stark violation to its own founding principles of ensuring universality, objectivity and non-selectivity in the consideration of human rights issues, and the elimination of double standards and politicization.

Israel joins consensus, while reserving judgment of the Council’s work and recommendations.

Thank you.