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Mr. Chairman,
At the outset we would like to express our gratitude to the Secretary General
and the Economic and Social Council for West Asia for a comprehensive report on
Agenda Item 93 ( Document No. A/57/63-E/2002/21) entitled “Economic and social
repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the
Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East
Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan”.
Mr. Chairman,
The relentless occupation of the Palestinian territory and denial of their
fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination continues to cause
serious economic, social and environmental problems for the people of Palestine.
This has not only hampered their economic growth, but has a deep psychological
impact on the social lives of the people. The impact of this occupation has
following major aspects:
Firstly, the upsurge in the violence during the period under report has further
aggravated the economic and social conditions in the occupied Palestinian
territories. The deterioration in the security situation has led to an
increasing sense of hopelessness and frustration among the people due to
increasing unemployment and retarding growth.
Secondly, continued growth in the Settlements on the Occupied Palestinian
Territories is a matter of serious concern. Para 44 of the Report under title
“Israeli settlements” indicates that the net increase in the settlement
population just in the first half of 2001 was 2,561, which is very high from any
standard. This has serious implications on the lives of the Palestinian people.
The settlements have restricted the growth of Palestinian communities and have
deprived the Palestinian people of valuable agricultural land, an important
resource for their survival.
Thirdly, the settlements and other measures imposed on the occupied Palestinian
territories continue to pose serious threat to the environment, water and other
natural resources. The dumping of the waste water in Palestinian areas without
treatment is causing contamination of water resource and environment. Outlying
Palestinian villages have no access to drinking water. The report indicates that
rapid land degradation is taking place due to felling of trees and blockade of
roads used by Palestinians.
Fourthly, the occupation and increase in violence has a devastating impact on
the Palestinian economy. The lack of economic activity has resulted in
deterioration in the living conditions. Almost 50 percent of the Palestinian
people are living below the poverty line. The GNP has severely declined. Over 50
percent of the Palestinian workforce is unemployed. The political uncertainty
and the stalling of the peace process have inhibited the flow of investment and
growth of infra-structure.
Mr. Chairman,
The population in the occupied Syrian Golan is facing similar conditions. The
increasing unemployment and declining economy are causing deterioration in the
living conditions of the Arab population in Syrian Golan. The increasing
settlements and unequal distribution of resources has aggravated the economic
and social situation in the area. The restrictions on movement of Arab
population in the occupied Golan has further limited the access to economic
opportunities.
The deterioration in the economic and social conditions of the Palestinians and
the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan emanates from foreign
occupation. The international community must take urgent measures for bringing
an end to the violence and facilitate the resumption of the peace process for
establishment of peace in the region. The durable peace can only be achieved by
recognizing and providing the people under foreign occupation their right to
self-determination.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan extends its unequivocal support to the struggle of the Palestinian
people for the realization of their fundamental rights, including their
inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN
resolutions. We also regard occupied Syrian Golan as an integral part of Syria.
Mr. Chairman,
Realization of these basic rights is essential for eliminating social and
economic injustices highlighted in the Report. Thank you, Mr. Chairman
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.