International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024; November 29th.

FORUM:"Let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and to building a future of peace." International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024.The International Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977 to highlight the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination and independence. Observed annually on November 29th, this date was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the UN's adoption of Resolution 181 in 1947, which proposed the partition of Palestine into two states—one Arab and one Jewish. While this resolution led to the creation of the State of Israel, the establishment of a Palestinian state has yet to be realized, highlighting the continued challenges faced by Palestinians. By dedicating this day to solidarity, the United Nations aims to draw international attention to the rights of the Palestinian people and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The day serves as a reminder to the global community of its responsibility to support efforts towards achieving a just and lasting peace. 

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024; November 29th.

Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people. This year’s commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been.

Nothing justifies the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins, more than 43,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been reportedly killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. This is appalling and inexcusable.

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, evictions, demolitions, settler violence and threats of annexation are inflicting further pain and injustice.

It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

As a matter of urgency, I appeal for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people – in particular through the work of UNRWA, which represents an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.

The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.

United Nations Secretary-General.

EVENTS: Various events are organized worldwide, including meetings, cultural performances, and educational forums, to promote dialogue and understanding, fostering international support for the Palestinian cause.

Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024.

On Friday; November 29th, the UN Geneva will host an event to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the Palais des Nations, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 32/40B of 2 December 1977.


Order of Speakers:

1. Introduction by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

2. Statement for the Day by Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

read out by the Secretary-General's representative, Director-General Ms. Tatiana Valovaya

3. Representative of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People

H.E. Ms. Julia Imene-Chanduru, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

4. Representative of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories H.E. Ms. Himalee Subhashini Arunatilaka, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

5. Representative of the League of Arab States H.E. Mr. Hichem Bayoudh, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

6. Representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Mr. Bader Al-Mutairi, Deputy Permanent Observer, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

7. Representative of the Non-Aligned Movement H.E. Mr. Marcel Robert Tibaleka, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

8. Representative of the African Union H.E. Mr. Amr Abdellatif Aboualatta, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

9. Representative of the Non-Governmental Organizations accredited to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People – Ms. Yvonne Schupbach, World YWCA Board Member

10. Representative of the State of Palestine H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Khraishi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

11. Messages: Announcement of messages or statements for the Day received from Heads of State or Government

Watch the Livestream!

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2012

New York, 29 November 2012 - Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

It has been 65 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 181, proposing the partition of the mandate territory into two States.  Achieving the two-State solution, to which both Israel and the Palestinians have committed, is long overdue.  During my recent trip to the Middle East following the dangerous escalation of violence in Gaza and Israel, I saw yet again the disastrous consequences -- in particular for the civilian populations -- of the absence of a permanent resolution of the conflict.  With the Middle East continuing to change rapidly and profoundly, it is more urgent than ever for the international community and the parties to intensify efforts towards peace.

The outlines of an agreement have long been clear, laid out in UN Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles -- including land for peace --the Road Map, the 2002 Arab Peace initiative and existing agreements between the parties.  What is needed now is political will and courage, as well as a sense of historic responsibility and vision for younger generations.

Final status issues can only be solved through direct negotiations.  However, much work lies ahead to create the conditions that will allow the resumption of credible and meaningful negotiations and preserve the viability of the two-state solution.

It is crucial to sustain the ceasefire concluded last week that ended more than one week of devastating violence in Gaza and southern Israel.  There must be no rocket fire from Gaza, which I have condemned repeatedly.  The issues that have been pending since the adoption of Security Council resolution 1860 in January 2009 must be resolved decisively: ending the closure, preventing the illicit trafficking of arms and achieving intra-Palestinian reconciliation.  Palestinian unity that supports a negotiated two-State solution is essential for the creation of a Palestinian State in Gaza and the West Bank.

It remains essential that the Palestinians overcome their divisions, based on the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the positions of the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative.

It is equally important to preserve the commendable achievements of the Palestinian Authority’s state-building efforts in the West Bank and the territorial contiguity it needs.  Continued settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is contrary to international law and the Roadmap, and must cease.  Unilateral actions on the ground will not be accepted by the international community.  Allowing proper development and planning in Area C is also necessary, instead of demolitions and land confiscation.  Israel continues to build the wall on West Bank land, contrary to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice.  I am also concerned about rising settler violence resulting in Palestinian injuries and property damage.

Amid these many challenges to the realization of their legitimate aspirations for statehood, the Palestinians have decided to seek Non Member Observer State status in the General Assembly.  This is a matter for Member States to decide.  It is important for all concerned to approach this responsibly and constructively.
The goal remains realizing the just and lasting peace for which generations of Palestinians and Israelis have been longing -- a peace that will end the occupation that started in 1967, end the conflict and ensure that an independent, viable and sovereign State of Palestine lives side by side with a secure State of Israel.  I call on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to show vision and determination.  I also urge the international community to help them forge a credible political path that will meet the legitimate aspirations of both sides.
I pledge to do everything in my power support this goal.  On this International Day, I count on all involved to work together to translate solidarity into positive action for peace.

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Statements on 29 November 2012

• New York, 29 November 2012 - Secretary-General's remarks to Peacebuilding Fund High-Level Stakeholders Meeting
• New York, 29 November 2012 - Secretary-General's remarks to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People