Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em reunião informal do plenário da Assembleia Geral com o Sr. Philippe Lazzarini, Comissário-Geral das Nações Unidas da Agência das Nações Unidas de Assistência aos Refugiados da Palestina no Próximo Oriente (UNRWA) - 06 de novembro de 2024 (texto em inglês)

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing from the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini
November 6th, 2024

Madam President,

I thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this important meeting, in response to the requests from the Arab Group and the "UNRWA`s Shared Commitments" core group, of which Brazil is a member. I also thank Commissioner-General Lazzarini for his compelling briefing.

My delegation fully associates itself with the statement made by Belgium on behalf of the core group.

As stated by the Brazilian Foreign Minister in last week`s open debate at the Security Council, Brazil condemns the Knesset's decision to pass laws targeting UNRWA.

They seek to stop the provision of essential services for Palestinians, thus aggravating their plight, especially in Gaza. This is unacceptable, as, contrary to claims by the Israeli government, there is no true alternative to UNRWA.

The legislation just passed also violates the UN Charter, the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the UN, international humanitarian law and relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The legislation disregards the request by the International Court of Justice for Israel to facilitate humanitarian access for Gazans.

We, thus, echo the calls by the Secretary-General, who warned against the implementation of the laws in question. It is crucial to ensure that UNRWA can fulfill its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, in all areas of operation, and that all parties abide by international humanitarian law, including the protection of UN and humanitarian facilities.

Madam President,

I repeat: there is no substitute for UNRWA. Therefore, undermining the Agency equals to risking the very survival of thousands of Palestinians. The responsibility for such a grave consequence lies fully and clearly on the shoulders of the State of Israel.

I thank you.