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Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, representing Uganda at the UN in Geneva, spoke on behalf of the NAM Group at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. He highlighted concerns about the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially Gaza, due to Israeli military actions.

The United Nations setting in Geneva

Deputy Permanent Representative of Uganda to the UN in Geneva, Amb. Arthur Kafeero, on March 4th, 2024, delivered a statement on behalf of the NAM Group at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, addressing Agenda item 2. He called for the respect of the Universality, Indivisibility, and non-selectivity principles of Human Rights, as well as an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Arthur Kafeero Addressing Human Rights Council

“We are gravely concerned about the dangerous deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, especially the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and immense suffering and losses being endured by the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the Israeli military aggression and total siege imposed since October 2023,” he stated.

Amb. Kafeero also urged the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to consider the challenges, national contexts, and circumstances of Member States while carrying out its duties. He emphasized the importance of objectivity, independence, and impartiality, encouraging constructive dialogue, cooperation, and aiding upon request to support human rights actions and programs.

“The NAM recognizes the importance of the role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in addressing the challenges arising from unilateral coercive measures and their negative impact on the human rights of peoples and individuals who wish to realize their economic and social rights, including the right to development,” Kafeero added.

Amb. Kafeero reaffirmed the NAM’s commitment to collaborating with the Office of the High Commissioner to enhance the credibility of human rights mechanisms and foster an international order based on inclusion, mutual understanding, and respect for cultural