Norway raises the Goldstone report at the UN

The significance of the Goldstone report goes far beyond the Gaza conflict. It’s about our responsibility to protect vulnerable groups in armed conflict. That was Ambassador Morten Wetland’s main message when he highlighted the Goldstone report in his statement to the General Assembly on Nov. 4.

“The value of the Report extends far beyond the conflict in question. We have the responsibility to act to restore the role of international humanitarian law and the full respect for fundamental principles which are the foundation of the UN,” Ambassador Wetland (photo) said.

In the statement Ambassador Wetland also stressed that Norway has consistently demanded that any violation of international law during the Gaza conflict be investigated. This is important in the fight against impunity and critical in terms of securing long term peace and prosperity. The parties’ investigations must be independent and credible and fulfil international standards. The UN Secretary-General and the UN Human Rights Council must be mandated to secure the international monitoring of the national investigations. Norway will push for this to be reflected in the General Assembly resolution and work to ensure the broadest possible support for the resolution.

Source: Norway-un.org