Geneva, February 28, 2024, In a significant address delivered at the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 28, 2024, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem bin Mohamed Albudaiwi underscored the collective commitment of GCC countries to upholding human rights principles, drawing attention to numerous unified decisions, laws, and regulations aimed at safeguarding human dignity and rights. Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC's adherence to international law principles and its dedication to promoting and protecting human rights, rooted in the values derived from its Islamic heritage. This commitment, he emphasized, extends to robust support for international efforts in the realm of human rights.
Albudaiwi further emphasized the GCC's proactive initiatives in recent years to advance human rights, positioning the Council as a leader in global endeavors to uphold dignity, justice, and equality. Notable among these initiatives was the recent adoption, at a summit held in Qatar, of rules aimed at preventing and protecting against violence, exploitation, and domestic abuse within GCC countries. The Secretary-General also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights approved in 2014, underlining the GCC's steadfast commitment to human rights and its unique religious, social, and cultural values.
The ongoing development of legislative and institutional structures within GCC countries reflects a firm commitment to protecting and promoting human rights across various demographic groups, including women, children, youth, individuals with special needs, and the elderly. Albudaiwi stressed that these efforts not only support human rights but also contribute to the advancement of societies and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Addressing the plight of the Palestinian people, Albudaiwi expressed solidarity with their suffering, condemning Israeli violations and aggression against them. He called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to military operations, and the provision of humanitarian aid to alleviate the dire conditions faced by civilians in Gaza. Additionally, he strongly denounced intentions with catastrophic repercussions announced by the Israeli occupation regarding the invasion of the city of Rafah, urging the international community to provide international protection for Palestinians and uphold international humanitarian law.
Albudaiwi also voiced concern over the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia and the spread of hate speech, calling for concerted international efforts to confront this threat and promote a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
In conclusion, the Secretary-General reiterated the GCC's commitment to international solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism in promoting dignity, equality, and justice. He affirmed the GCC's readiness to actively engage with the United Nations and other international and regional organizations to advance human rights globally.
