–President Ali affirms; says justice, dignity, equality are fundamental rights that must be upheld in the face of injustice

REITERATING a call once again for massive support to be given to the people of Palestine, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, said that Guyana has always stood and will continue to stand on the right side of justice.

On Friday evening, the Guyanese Head of State, who has always been vocal on matters of equality, human rights and women and children’s rights, once again echoed the need for many to condemn the acts of violence meted out against the people of Palestine.

He sent this message to the world during the launch of Islam Awareness Week which is being held under the theme: “Justice, Dignity, and Equality for Everyone.”
According to international reports, more than 20,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza during Israel’s war against Hamas.

“This is the first publicly televised genocide in the history of our world,” the President said, adding: “We have consistently stood on the side of what is right for Palestine or every country that suffer as a result of some form of injustice.”

However, President Ali highlighted when Guyana was in need of support in the face of threats to its sovereignty, the country received many “fanciful” responses from the international community.

“When we needed the support against a threat to our own border, our own sovereignty, unfortunately, though we stood every time, everyone was pressed, fanciful words, fanciful language and fanciful diplomacy was used,” President Ali said.

He reminded that justice, dignity, and equality are fundamental rights that must be upheld, particularly in the face of injustice. International solidarity and support are crucial, as seen in the example of Palestine.

On Thursday, the Government of Guyana pledged US$150,000 towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in support of Palestinians displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The UNRWA is the primary humanitarian agency in Gaza, with over two million people depending on it for their daily survival.

The country also recently assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and at a press conference following the assumption of the new role, the country’s Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, said the country will be resolute in its call for a ceasefire in the ongoing war.

“Guyana has called for a ceasefire and Guyana will continue to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. We believe we should not wait another day for that,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.