UK Statement for the Item 8 General Debate. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Mr Vice President,
We welcome this opportunity to reflect on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
The Declaration underscored the importance of human rights as a matter of priority for the international community. It promoted and encouraged respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination. Through the Declaration, we restated our commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Twenty-two years on, many of the challenges which we sought to address back at the time of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration remain just as pressing. But the UK's resolve to live up to the ideas laid out in the Vienna Declaration - and, indeed, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights - has not faltered.
It is with this resolve in mind that, last week, the UK officially recognised the state of Palestine. Our decision to recognise Palestine is firmly grounded in the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination, and the need for Palestinians and Israelis alike to live their lives in peace - free from violence and suffering.
Recognition must be a spur, not a substitute for urgent action: a ceasefire now, the release of all hostages, the restoration of aid and a lasting framework for peace.
Thank you.
