MEDIA RELEASES

AIJAC applauds government’s principled vote against UNHRC resolution which predetermined Israel’s guilt

May 22, 2018

AIJAC applauds government's principled vote against UNHRC resolution which predetermined Israel's guilt

Media Release

AIJAC applauds the principled stand the Australian Government took in opposing the one-sided anti-Israel resolution to set up an inquiry into the violence in Gaza at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) last week.

We also commend Prime Minister Turnbull for exposing Hamas as the instigator of the violence while reiterating Israel’s right to self-defence and secure borders.

Australia can hold its head high as the only member state along with the US to oppose this biased and counter-productive resolution whose language predetermined Israeli guilt before any investigation was even begun.

At a time when Israel’s borders are at risk from Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, it is unfortunate that world bodies, including the UNHRC, single out Israel as the aggressor whilst avoiding any mention of Hamas or its activities.

The Government promised not to support one-sided resolutions when it recently joined the Council and we commend the Government for keeping its promise.

We are however disappointed at the comments by Labor MP Anthony Albanese on ABC television on Sunday morning. His characterisation of recent events in Gaza where he placed responsibility squarely on Israel and chastised the Government for its principled and pragmatic approach at the UN Human Rights Council is concerning. He fell into the trap of pre-determining the results of any investigation by insinuating that Israel used disproportionate force – as well as incorrectly accusing Israel of expanding settlements in Gaza where no settlements exist.

We trust that Labor Party leader Bill Shorten and his parliamentary colleagues will pursue a genuinely constructive approach, recognising some of the real obstacles to a final lasting peace in the lead-up to the Labor National Conference in July.

Mark Leibler AC, National Chairman
Dr. Colin Rubenstein AM, Executive Director

RELATED ARTICLES


Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC “gravely disappointed” by Australian Government’s decision to resume UNRWA funding

Mar 15, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC calls on Australian Government to remain firm on UNRWA

Mar 12, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
Israeli trauma expert Dr Moshe Farchi (Image: Twitter/X)

AIJAC angered and disappointed at “cowardly” and “discriminatory” actions of the 2024 Frontline Mental Health Conference

Mar 4, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
Screenshot 2024 02 15 At 6.22.56 pm

AIJAC disappointed with Prime Ministers’ statement on Rafah that appears “divorced from reality”

Feb 15, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
The International Court of Justice prepares to deliver its findings on Jan. 26.

AIJAC pleased ICJ permitted Israel’s just war of self-defence against Hamas to continue

Jan 27, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC welcomes new Australian sanctions targeting Hamas, Hezbollah, PIJ and the IRGC

Jan 23, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases

SIGN UP FOR AIJAC EMAILS

RECENT POSTS

Screenshot 2024 03 15 At 6.19.20 pm

Four Corners “Forever War” episode reflected the endless crusade of its creator, John Lyons

Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC “gravely disappointed” by Australian Government’s decision to resume UNRWA funding

Fighters from Hamas' Qassam Brigades (Image: Shutterstock)

This is no time to throw Hamas a lifeline

Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC calls on Australian Government to remain firm on UNRWA

(image: Shutterstock/Syndi Pilar)

“Anti-Zionism” is illegitimate and immoral regardless of whether or not it is antisemitic

Screenshot 2024 03 15 At 6.19.20 pm

Four Corners “Forever War” episode reflected the endless crusade of its creator, John Lyons

Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC “gravely disappointed” by Australian Government’s decision to resume UNRWA funding

Fighters from Hamas' Qassam Brigades (Image: Shutterstock)

This is no time to throw Hamas a lifeline

Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC calls on Australian Government to remain firm on UNRWA

(image: Shutterstock/Syndi Pilar)

“Anti-Zionism” is illegitimate and immoral regardless of whether or not it is antisemitic

SORT BY TOPICS