20 June 2023

Australian Statement

Thank you President / Vice President

Australia remains of the view that the Council brings disproportionate scrutiny to Israel and we retain our concern about the nature of the Commission of Inquiry and its overly broad and one-sided mandate.

However, we are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict, loss of life and human rights abuses in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Australia is concerned by restrictions on freedom of expression and the threats to civil society and human rights defenders, including journalists and women human rights defenders.

We continue to call for all parties to the conflict to refrain from unilateral actions that undermine the prospects of a two-state solution, including violence against civilians and settlement construction.

Ultimately, the two sides must create the conditions for a return to direct negotiations in good faith aimed at reaching a just and lasting resolution of the conflict.

145 words / speaking time limit 90 seconds (180 words max)