2009/10/22

OTTAWA, ON:  Dr James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, addressed the House of Commons concerning the recent United Nations Human Rights Council resolution which emanated from a flawed UN Human Rights report.  In the House Lunney said:

“Only weeks ago - the Goldstone Report, was released accusing Israel of “war crimes”.  Now - the United Nations Human Rights Council has come out with a contentious resolution endorsing the report.

The resolution is entirely one sided, accusing Israel of all kinds of atrocities; it  somehow overlooks  8 years of constant Hamas rocket fire and a covenant that openly calls for the destruction of Israel.  Even Mr. Goldstone is disappointed at the lack of condemnation against Hamas in the debate and in the resolution.

Former UK commander, Col. Richard Kemp, told the Security Council of the extraordinary measures taken by the Israeli Defence Forces to warn Palestinian civilians ahead of impending missions.  Two million leaflets were dropped and 100 000 telephone calls were placed.      Col. Kemp testified that he has never seen any military anywhere in the world take more precaution to protect civilians.

This is in direct contrast to Hamas who deliberately expose civilians on both sides of the conflict to harm.   The next step for Israeli opponents is a referral to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. 

Mr. Speaker, The UN – Human Rights Council is chaired by Cuba and dominated by countries with some of the worst human rights abuses in the world. It’s time that all responsible nations repudiate this abuse of UN name and title.”

Outside the House Lunney added: “The measures taken by the Israeli Defence Forces including delivery of relief and humanitarian supplies throughout the conflict go beyond measures taken by any army in any conflict in modern history.  The deliberate use of civilians as human shields by Hamas ought to be recognized and condemned by any unbiased observer”, concluded Lunney.