SYDNEY, 20 September, 2024: The Hindus for Human Rights (HFHR) has expressed its dismay at Australia abstaining at the United Nations vote urging Israel to end its “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months.
” It is equally disappointing to witness India abstain; two democracies forfeiting an opportunity to join global voices urging the upholding of international law. India’s shameful lack of moral leadership on this issue is a stark departure from its historical solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the statement said.
FULL HFHR MEDIA STATEMENT:
Hindus for Human Rights, Australia expresses its dismay at Australia’s unconscionable decision to abstain from a UN vote urging Israel to end its “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months. It is equally disappointing to witness India abstain; two democracies forfeiting an opportunity to join global voices urging the upholding of international law. India’s shameful lack of moral leadership on this issue is a stark departure from its historical solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favour, 14 against and 43 countries that abstained, including the UK, Canada and Germany. New Zealand, Japan, France and Ireland voted in favour.
As the Israeli assault widens into the region with the alleged attack on Lebanon through the deployment of indiscriminately exploding devices that have maimed and claimed innocent lives, followed by heavy bombardment, the time to act is now. The international community must find the will and the means to bring this escalating violence to an end.
It must facilitate the return of Israeli hostages, the freeing of countless Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons without charge, the immediate access of humanitarian and medical aid into all parts of Palestine, the cessation of Israel’s unlawful military action and the end of armed resistance by Hamas. We urge urgent mediation to find lasting peace, and ensure all entities guilty of crimes against humanity are brought to justice.
While the world has helplessly watched the brutality inflicted upon a civilian population in Palestine, thousands among them being children, there has been a global movement of resistance cutting across ideology, nationality and religious affiliations. Hindus for Human Rights Executive Director, Sunita Viswanath recently went to Palestine as part of an interfaith peace delegation to bear witness to the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinians. Read her Palestinian diaries published in The Wire, here and here.
Here in Australia, Hindus for Human Rights joined Jews against the Occupation ’48 and the Jewish Council of Australia to host a first: An informative roundtable on the rising dangers of ethnonationalism with particular reference to Hindutva (extreme Hindu nationalism) and Zionism.
Millions of people of conscience, including students, have taken to the streets and organised themselves on university grounds, public spaces and digital platforms tirelessly over months, many at great personal and professional cost. We applaud their courage and determination, and urge the leaders of Australia and India to pay heed to the voices of their people and act decisively in their capacity as elected representatives.
Nandini Sen Mehra; +61499638388; nandini@hindusforhumanrights.