UNGA adopts resolution affirming Palestinian right to self-determination

NEW YORK, Dec.16 (YPA) – The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday adopted by an overwhelming majority a resolution affirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

A total of 164 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while only 8 voted against it: Israel, the United States, Micronesia, Argentina, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, Palau, and Nauru. Meanwhile, nine countries abstained: Ecuador, Togo, Tonga, Panama, Fiji, Cameroon, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, and South Sudan.

It is noteworthy that the presence of far-right and hardline governments in Argentina, Paraguay and Ecuador prevented these countries from voting in favor of the resolution in particular, and other resolutions concerned with human rights in general.

The adoption of the resolution reflects an international stance rejecting Israel’s occupation measures and colonial settlement practices that obstruct the Palestinian people’s ability to exercise their right to self-determination and to live in dignity in their independent state.

It also notes the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion that Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian land is unlawful and must end as soon as possible, given its serious repercussions on the Palestinian people’s ability to exercise their right to self-determination, as guaranteed under the UN Charter and international law.

@E.Y.M