Albudaiwi: GCC Adopts Principle of Mediation as Diplomatic Tool to Resolve Conflicts, Protect Rights

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi affirmed that the GCC countries adopted the principle of mediation as a diplomatic tool for resolving armed conflicts and protecting human dignity and rights, providing an environment where fundamental rights are respected and communities thrive in security and peace.
 His remarks were in a speech Tuesday at the opening of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
 He pointed out that the new session is held in a year of historical significance, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Charter, describing it "a moment that calls us all to reflect on the common obstacles and challenges, many of which we have overcome in our pursuit of preserving human dignity and rights."
 "At the same time, it imposes on us the necessity of working diligently to restore trust in our international system and unify our collective will to promote those rights, especially in light of the declining respect for international charters and norms and the double standards in their application," the GCC chief said.
 "A clear example of this is the ethnic cleansing, killing, and injury of over 160,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, by the Israeli occupation forces, without any sense of humanity or moral responsibility, and in full view of the international community," Albudaiwi said.
 He emphasized the steadfast and firm position of the GCC in supporting the Palestinian cause and reaching a solution based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
 The secretary general indicated that the GCC pays high attention to enhancing and protecting human rights by adopting many unified systems and guiding principles, with its member states following a comprehensive and continuous approach to developing their legislative and institutional framework related to human rights.
 "This is based on human values and noble rights derived from our noble religion, and in commitment to the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," he explained. "We adopt the principle of the right to development as a fundamental concept for the sustainability and preservation of human rights, and we work to cooperate with United Nations human-rights mechanisms while respecting the diversity of human-rights concepts and the value differences among various peoples and communities."
 He expressed concern over the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia and the spread of hate speech, calling for international efforts to counter this dangerous phenomenon and build an alternative culture based on tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
 The GCC secretary general explained that that regional and international conflicts and armed struggles are the main cause of human suffering, through which "we witness, with great sorrow, serious violations of human dignity and rights in various forms."
 He highlighted the joint statement by the GCC countries, endorsed by 137 nations at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which commemorated the 25th anniversary of the UN's Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace.
 Albudaiwi praised the vital and important role played by those working in humanitarian and relief organizations, expressing concern over the dangers faced by humanitarian workers, and calling for their protection in conflicts according to international law and taking necessary measures to ensure accountability for these serious violations committed against them.
 He underscored the need to renew full support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which represents a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees. He urged the international community to provide the necessary resources to ensure the continuation of UNRWA's vital humanitarian, educational, and health services, which are crucial for regional stability and human-rights protection.