The Bahamas welcomes the resolution adopted at the 10th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Commonwealth of The Bahamas
PRESS RELEASE
New York, 28th October 2023 – The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas welcomes the resolution adopted at the 10th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held 26th – 27th October 2023. The General Assembly convened this special session to address to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The 10th Emergency Special Session was convened for the first time in April 1997. The special session was last resumed in June 2018. This session was called for by the chair of the Arab Group and the chair of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, following a veto by the United States on a resolution drafted by Brazil in the Security Council.
The Bahamas co-sponsored and voted in favor of a resolution entitled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations”, calling for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities between the involved parties (document A/ES-10/L.25).
The resolution also demanded the unhindered provision of essential humanitarian aid to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held captive, demanding their safety, well-being, and humane treatment in compliance with international law. The resolution was adopted in the General Assembly, by a recorded vote of 121 in favour to 14 against, with 44 abstentions.
The Assembly failed to adopt an amendment to the resolution proposed by Canada (document A/ES-10/L.26), that unequivocally rejected and condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place on 7th October 2023. The amendment failed to receive a two-thirds majority by a recorded vote of 88 in favour to 55 against, with 23 abstentions.
For more information:
UN General Assembly adopts Gaza resolution calling for immediate and sustained ‘humanitarian truce’
Explainer: What is a UN General Assembly emergency special session and why it matters