United Nations Human Rights Council’s anti-Israel Resolution

B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (Australia) MEDIA RELEASE, 17 November 2006:

The B'nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) strongly condemns the United Nations Human Rights Council’s one-sided resolution condemning recent Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip.

The resolution ‘expressed its alarm at the gross and systematic violations of human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by the occupying power, Israel…[and] called for the immediate protection of the Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law’.

ADC executive officer Mr Manny Waks commented: "This appallingly one-sided resolution is consistent with UN standard practice of unjustly condemning Israel and completely ignoring the plight of Israeli civilians who have been under Palestinian terrorist attacks for years."
"The Council was negligent in omitting the fact that Israel’s recent military action was in response to unrelenting Palestinian terrorism targeting innocent Israeli civilians. It is disappointing that this Council could not have the courage to condemn the ongoing Palestinian terror."

Mr Waks added that "despite Israel having evacuated from Gaza last year, the UN has been silent to the ongoing attacks emanating from Gaza, and Israel's attacks on Gaza would not occur but for the firing of rockets."

The ADC would like to acknowledge the statements made by Caroline Millar, Australia’s representative to the Council, which also expressed Australia’s disappointment in this unhelpful, one-sided resolution. Mr Waks noted that "Australia has an outstanding track record in seeking justice for all citizens alike. It is important for the Jewish community to know that the Australian Government unequivocally supports Israel’s right to defend itself."