GENEVA: The Sultanate of Oman stressed that international efforts in the field of human rights must be grounded in firm humanitarian principles, free from politicisation or selectivity, and based on respect for human dignity, the promotion of justice and accountability.
It emphasised the need for a unified international stance that places human rights at the heart of collective efforts, as a fundamental pillar for achieving peace, security and stability for all.
During his address at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Idris bin Abdulrahman al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and International Organizations, expressed Oman’s concern over the declining commitments of some donor entities towards human rights issues. This, he noted, undermines the ability of international organisations to respond effectively to multiple humanitarian crises.
He underscored the importance of reassessing international funding priorities and directing resources towards initiatives with direct impact, while enhancing transparency and efficiency in the management of humanitarian aid.
He stated that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip represents one of the worst crises in modern history, resulting from the ongoing Israeli aggression and its accompanying grave violations of international humanitarian law.
He added that this aggression has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians, including a significant number of women and children, and caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, healthcare facilities and schools. It has also led to the spread of famine and epidemics under a suffocating blockade and inhumane living conditions.
Oman’s Permanent Representative explained that this escalating tragedy demands urgent international action based on international law and principles of justice, aimed at halting violations, holding perpetrators accountable, ensuring civilian protection and delivering immediate humanitarian assistance — free from double standards.
In a related context, Oman expresses deep concern over the military escalation in the region, particularly Israel’s attacks targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, which constitute a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, directly undermining state sovereignty and regional stability.
Oman believes such actions only fuel further tension and threaten regional and international peace and security.
In this regard, Oman stresses the importance of returning to diplomatic channels and adopting dialogue and understanding as an effective and sustainable approach to resolving disputes and strengthening collective security.
Sara bint Abdullah al Balushiyah, First Secretary of the Permanent Delegation of Oman to the United Nations, stated in Oman’s address that it appreciates the Commission of Inquiry’s efforts in preparing the report, despite the serious challenges posed by the Israeli authorities’ continued refusal to grant access to the occupied Palestinian territories.
She noted that the report documents a series of egregious violations by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories, targeting educational, religious and cultural facilities.
She emphasised that the systematic and widespread destruction of the educational sector in the occupied Palestinian territories, along with cultural centres, places of worship, and attempts to erase national identity and heritage, constitutes a full-fledged crime under international legal definitions. - ONA
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