{"id":314657,"date":"2025-11-17T12:18:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T17:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=314657"},"modified":"2026-01-09T10:05:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T15:05:48","slug":"statement-by-ilze-brands-kehris-assistant-secretary-general-for-human-rights-80th-of-session-of-the-general-assembly-fourth-committee-new-york","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/statement-by-ilze-brands-kehris-assistant-secretary-general-for-human-rights-80th-of-session-of-the-general-assembly-fourth-committee-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"“The conduct of hostilities in Gaza has been emblematic of what comes with the systematic violation of international human rights and humanitarian law” Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights tells the General Assembly Fourth Committee"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Statement by Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights<\/strong><\/p>\n

80th of session of the General Assembly – Fourth Committee, New York<\/strong><\/p>\n

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17 November 2025<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Thank you, Mister Chair,
\nAmbassador Jayantha Jayasuriya,
\nExcellencies,
\nDistinguished Delegates,<\/p>\n

Last September, the General Assembly endorsed the New York Declaration<\/a>, reaffirming support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and setting out a phased roadmap to revive the two-state solution, starting with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages.<\/p>\n

Today, the ceasefire continues to hold in Gaza, thanks to the efforts of the guarantor nations. Together with the hostage and prisoner releases, it has brought huge relief and hope on both sides, after two years of unspeakable suffering.<\/p>\n

But relief must not blind us to the reality of what has been done, and what remains for Palestinians in the occupied territory.<\/p>\n

Mister Chair,<\/p>\n

The conduct of hostilities in Gaza has been emblematic of what comes with the systematic violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Pervasive impunity has facilitated the sheer scale of violations that the ±¬ÁÏÍø Human Rights Office has monitored and documented. The system of international law, and its justice mechanisms, can only retain its legitimacy if those who have so flagrantly violated it are held to account, and justice for victims is served.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n