Declaração do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Situação no Oriente Médio, incluindo a Questão Palestina - 26 de maio de 2022 (texto em inglês)

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Mr. Wennesland, for the updates brought to the Council today.

Brazil remains concerned about the situation of recurrent violence, including in and around holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as about the series of attacks perpetrated against Israeli civilians. We worry that events planned for next week might further worsen this already tense situation.

We reiterate that refraining from incitement and inflammatory rhetoric is of utmost importance as well as proactive engagement of political, religious and community leaders to restore calm. Places of worship, especially a place of such religious significance as the Holy Esplanade, must not be battlegrounds.

The safety and security of religious sites is an essential component of freedom of religion or belief, and should be preserved at all costs. Brazil is also worried about attempts to challenge the historic and legal status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. Upholding the status quo is fundamental as well as maintaining the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s special role as custodian of Muslim holy places.

 Madam President,

Brazil profoundly laments the death of the American-Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aklen while reporting from the West Bank and supports the calls for accountability. Full, transparent and independent investigations should be undertaken with the cooperation of all parties involved.

There can be no justification for any attacks against journalists and media workers. They are considered civilians under international humanitarian law and must be protected as reiterated by resolution 2222 (2015), unanimously adopted by this Council.

The work of journalists such as Ms. Abu Aklen is indispensable for preserving the fundamental right to freedom of expression and for the free flow of independent and accurate information, in times of peace or war.

The episodes of violence and excessive use of force during her funeral were also disturbing. In this regard, Brazil recognizes Israeli efforts, through the local police, to investigate the facts and ensure accountability for those responsible.

 Madam President,

 As we are all aware by now, spiking international prices for food is impacting humanitarian assistance efforts everywhere and, without additional funding, the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNRWA will not be able to maintain their regular humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees, which can have a destabilizing impact on the ground. Brazil supports the many ongoing efforts to raise the funds necessary for UNRWA to continue to fulfill its indispensable role. As Mr. Wennesland has warned, lack of humanitarian assistance can have a destabilizing impact on the ground, diminishing the already dim prospects of peace.

Continuing to act proactively in the search for lasting peace in the Middle East is not an option to this Council; it remains an imperative. We urge Israeli and Palestinian leaders to engage with each other, be it directly or through the mediation instruments offered by the UN and by regional partners. The current situation is the result of years of frustration with the lack of progress in finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

Returning to a credible political process, within the framework of a negotiated two-state solution is a priority shared by all, and this Council should spare no effort to promote it.

I thank you.