Kenya that, ratified the United Nations Charter on Human Rights on 31st July 1990

Motion text

THAT, aware Kenya that, ratified the United Nations Charter on Human Rights on 31st July 1990; further recollecting that among the rights enshrined in the Charter is the right to life and self- determination by people; cognizant of the fact that Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory in Gaza and the West Bank has been characterized by disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force; concerned that, this has deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region, including the destruction of infrastructure, widespread civilian casualties, and willful killing of Palestinian civilians, including children in the occupied territories by the Israeli army; noting that, these grave breaches amount to war crimes, flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity; concerned that, the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, including cross-border strikes and retaliatory attacks, threatens to engulf the wider Middle East region in conflict; recalling that, Kenya has previously suffered attacks on its soil as a result of the Middle East conflict, including the 2002 attack on the Paradise Hotel in Kikambala; appreciating that, the United Nations General Assembly recently passed a resolution demanding an end to Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories and urging compliance with international law; further appreciating the urgent need for the international community, including regional powers and the United Nations Security Council, to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian access, and initiating inclusive peace negotiations in the Middle East; appreciative of the role Kenya has played regionally and internationally in global peace initiatives and in mitigating violations constituting crimes against humanity and in solidarity with the Palestinian civilians subjugated by Israel; this House— (i) expresses deep concern over the dangerous escalation in hostilities in the Middle East that threatens international peace and security across the Middle East and beyond; (ii) reaffirms Kenya’s proactive commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes through negotiation, diplomacy, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter; (iii) urges all parties to the conflict to protect civilian lives and infrastructure in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law and to exercise maximum restraint and immediately cease further acts of aggression, including aerial bombardments, missile strikes, and other forms of military escalation; and (iv) calls on the international community, including the United Nations and regional powers, to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, the restoration of dialogue, and a return to the frameworks of international law.