Namibia calls for Palestinian health rights
Namibia's government has called for Israel to be held accountable for the alarming health disparities between the Palestinian population and those living in Israel.
In a statement issued at the World Health Assembly recently, Namibia's health minister, Kalumbi Shangula, expressed deep concern, saying the socioeconomic impact of the prolonged unlawful occupation is exacerbating health issues in the occupied Palestinian territories.
"The fundamental human rights to clean water and sanitation are being violated through apartheid practice and the persistent use of discriminatory planning and zoning procedures, which are causing displacement of people and destruction of infrastructure," Shangula said. "Israel, as the occupying power, must be held accountable for these health inequities and the dire conditions endured by the Palestinians in the occupied territories."
Challenges
The Namibian government's statement comes at a time when the Palestinian people are facing a number of serious health challenges. The occupation has led to a lack of access to essential healthcare services.
As a result, the Palestinian population is suffering from high rates of malnutrition, infectious diseases and mental health problems.
Shangula further called on Israel to end the arbitrary restrictions on Palestinian patients and healthcare staff, to facilitate access to medical supplies, to mitigate the underlying social determinants of health, and to cease its discriminatory planning policies that hinder the development of healthcare facilities.
Uphold principles
His statement also emphasised the importance of promoting investment in the Palestinian health sector, safeguarding the health of the Palestinian people, holding violators accountable under international law, and ensuring the delivery of de-politicised health services.
"We further maintain that the World Health Assembly is obliged to advocate for the health of all people worldwide, regardless of nationality or geographic location. We strongly reject the narrative that the discussion of this matter politicises the work of the WHO; rather, it is necessary to uphold the WHO's fundamental principles that health is a right and that all human beings should benefit from the highest possible health standards," Shangula stressed.
Bloody conflict
The long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine has its roots in the early 20th century, when the Zionist movement began to advocate for the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. The Palestinians, who had been living in Palestine for centuries, opposed the creation of a Jewish state.
The conflict has been marked by violence and bloodshed. In the past 70 years, there have been several wars between Israel and the Palestinians. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced. The conflict has also had a negative impact on the region. It has hindered economic development and contributed to instability. The Namibian government's statement is a call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It is a reminder that the conflict is not just about Israel and Palestine but also about the future of the Middle East.
In a statement issued at the World Health Assembly recently, Namibia's health minister, Kalumbi Shangula, expressed deep concern, saying the socioeconomic impact of the prolonged unlawful occupation is exacerbating health issues in the occupied Palestinian territories.
"The fundamental human rights to clean water and sanitation are being violated through apartheid practice and the persistent use of discriminatory planning and zoning procedures, which are causing displacement of people and destruction of infrastructure," Shangula said. "Israel, as the occupying power, must be held accountable for these health inequities and the dire conditions endured by the Palestinians in the occupied territories."
Challenges
The Namibian government's statement comes at a time when the Palestinian people are facing a number of serious health challenges. The occupation has led to a lack of access to essential healthcare services.
As a result, the Palestinian population is suffering from high rates of malnutrition, infectious diseases and mental health problems.
Shangula further called on Israel to end the arbitrary restrictions on Palestinian patients and healthcare staff, to facilitate access to medical supplies, to mitigate the underlying social determinants of health, and to cease its discriminatory planning policies that hinder the development of healthcare facilities.
Uphold principles
His statement also emphasised the importance of promoting investment in the Palestinian health sector, safeguarding the health of the Palestinian people, holding violators accountable under international law, and ensuring the delivery of de-politicised health services.
"We further maintain that the World Health Assembly is obliged to advocate for the health of all people worldwide, regardless of nationality or geographic location. We strongly reject the narrative that the discussion of this matter politicises the work of the WHO; rather, it is necessary to uphold the WHO's fundamental principles that health is a right and that all human beings should benefit from the highest possible health standards," Shangula stressed.
Bloody conflict
The long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine has its roots in the early 20th century, when the Zionist movement began to advocate for the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. The Palestinians, who had been living in Palestine for centuries, opposed the creation of a Jewish state.
The conflict has been marked by violence and bloodshed. In the past 70 years, there have been several wars between Israel and the Palestinians. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced. The conflict has also had a negative impact on the region. It has hindered economic development and contributed to instability. The Namibian government's statement is a call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It is a reminder that the conflict is not just about Israel and Palestine but also about the future of the Middle East.
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