EU: For an immediate and unconditional recognition of Palestine

Brussels, Paris, 12 December 2014 – FIDH calls on Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to vote in favour of the recognition of the state of Palestine, and to strongly urge Member States to take immediate and unconditional steps to that end. A vote on the recognition of the Palestinian State by the MEPs is indeed scheduled for 17 December.

The European Union has constantly repeated that the conflict between Israel and Palestine can only be solved by a two-state solution negotiated in accordance with the principles of international law. A sustainable solution requires that the rights and legitimate demands of the Palestinians and Israelis to self-determination and security be guaranteed. A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and the will to coexist peacefully.

In the present context of ongoing Human Rights abuses, the approach must imperatively respect international legality. Recognition of the Palestinian state would contribute to the fight for justice and accountability for the international crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognising Palestine as a non-member Observer state by 138 votes in favour, including those of various European states. That historic decision was a response to the Palestinians’ decades of fighting for their right to self-determination.

Sweden has recently become the 135th State to recognise Palestine. Several parliaments of European Union Member States such as the British Parliament and recently the French National Assembly have also passed non-binding resolutions encouraging their governments to move promptly towards recognition.