Geneva: Ambassador Abdullah Abdullatif Abdullah, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, delivered a statement on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states during the interactive dialogue on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' annual report, held under Agenda Item 2 of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the GCC expressed appreciation for the High Commissioner's efforts in carrying out his mandate amid the growing challenges facing the United Nations system and their impact on international human rights mechanisms. The Council also reiterated its condemnation of the ongoing grave violations against the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and accountability for violations committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The GCC further condemned the recent Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, describing them as blatant violations of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of good neighbourliness.
The statement emphasised the importance of dialogue, international cooperation, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states as essential foundations for addressing crises and promoting regional and international peace and stability. It also reaffirmed the GCC's support for international efforts to strengthen the global human rights system and enable UN mechanisms to carry out their mandates effectively and impartially.