On the sidelines of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine, Dr. Varsen Aghabekyan Shaheen, met with the Foreign Minister of Slovakia, Mr. Juraj Blanár, where they discussed the current developments in Palestine and the challenges facing international law in light of double standards.
Her Excellency expressed her appreciation for Slovakia's historical position in support of the Palestinian cause, which was recognised by the recognition of the Palestinian state. More than 40,000 Palestinian refugees have been displaced from the northern West Bank and 1.5 million in the Gaza Strip, hundreds of homes have been demolished, electricity networks and hospitals have been destroyed, and Palestinian camps and UNRWA have been systematically targeted. She stressed that what is happening is not just a human rights violation, but an attack on the symbolism of the Palestinian cause and the rights of refugees guaranteed by international legitimacy, calling on all countries that believe in justice to defend international law and hold the perpetrators of crimes accountable.
Minister Blanár affirmed that Slovakia recognised the State of Palestine to protect the legitimate Palestinian rights, and his country's recognition that it is an essential step towards a two-state solution. He praised the bilateral relations between the two countries, stressing that Slovakia continues to call for respect for international humanitarian law and human rights as the most powerful weapon in the face of international chaos, warning that flouting international law threatens everyone, not just the Palestinians.
Both sides agreed on the danger of double standards in international politics. Minister Blanár noted that the international community often tolerates violations when committed by certain parties, while taking tough stances towards others, adding that this policy has weakened the credibility of international law. He also emphasised the need for a lasting political solution that guarantees security for both sides.
With regard to UNRWA, the Slovak Minister stressed that his country defends the continued funding of the agency within the European Union, despite the pressures exerted by some countries to end its work. He explained that UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinian refugees, providing education and humanitarian aid to millions of people, considering that its destruction would mean leaving an entire generation without a future. He referred to the urgent humanitarian aid provided by the Slovak government to the Gaza Strip.
In another context, the two sides discussed the situation in the West Bank, where Minister Shaheen stressed that extremist settlers and occupation forces commit violations and crimes, restrict the movement of civilians and attack their property, which makes the Palestinian government need political and economic support to enhance its role. She also stressed the importance of reviving international alliances to support Palestinian rights and materialise the two-state solution on the ground.
Minister Blanár concluded the meeting by affirming Slovakia's commitment to continue supporting the Palestinian cause, working within the European Union and international forums to realise legitimate Palestinian rights, stabilise the ceasefire, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and protect UNRWA from attempts to undermine its role.
