Iran Raps Israeli Genocidal Crimes, Decries Western Complicity

Ali Bahreini, the ambassador and permanent representative of Iran to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, delivered an address to the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 29, held to discuss the presentation of High Commissioner’s report on implementation of Human Rights Council resolution 31/36, which deals with investigation into the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

What follows is the text of his statement:

Thank you Madam President,

We welcome the update of the High Commissioner’s database.

We particularly commend the work of the COI, which has reaffirmed that the crime of genocide is taking place—an alarming conclusion that we had previously cautioned against months earlier.

The Commission’s determination of dolus specialis—the specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a protected group—as evidenced by patterns of conduct and explicit statements by Israeli officials, constitutes a matter of utmost legal gravity under the Genocide Convention.

As recalled by the Commission, all States Parties bear the erga omnes obligation to prevent and to punish genocide, as well as to refrain from rendering aid or assistance to its commission. The prohibition of genocide is a peremptory norm of international law, and no State may disregard its binding force.

We therefore categorically condemn this genocide and any western complicity therein—whether political, military, economic or otherwise. We further endorse the findings of the Special Rapporteur and call for the immediate adoption of comprehensive sanctions against Israeli regime.

Genocide cannot be erased by silence; we will not surrender—our voice of justice shall endure.

Thank you.