Geneva Institute for Human Rights

Richard Falk, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, called on United Nations Member States to recognize Palestinian statehood in a statement issued September 22.

“The upcoming debate on Palestine’s initiative at the United Nations
provides a momentous occasion for the international community to respond
to a legacy of injustice,” Mr. Falk stressed. “For over 44 years,
Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza
Strip have suffered under Israel’s oppressive occupation.”

The UN Special Rapporteur drew attention to Israel's policy of allowing hundreds of settlements allowed to be constructed on Palestinian territory. He also accused Israel of flouting Palestinians' basic human rights under international humanitarian law.

“Palestine’s status as a State is not merely symbolic,” the independent expert said. “It empowers Palestine with rights and duties under international law, such as full jurisdiction over its territory, legal standing to defend itself from other States, and the capacity to join international treaties – including human rights treaties.”

Falk, a U.S. citizen, was appointed to his post by the UN Human Rights Council in 2008. He is the fifth to serve since the mandate was established in 1993 by the UN Commission on Human Rights.