On Monday 31 October 2011, the Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the application of the State of Palestine for status as a full member state in the Organization.
 According to a statement by UNESCO, 107 member states voted in favor of Palestine’s application, while 14 state voted against and 52 states abstained.
 UNESCO, which was established as a specialized United Nations agency in 1945, now has 195 member states.
  The Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights happily welcomes the UNESCO resolution, which represents a positive development indicative of a stepped-up role for the international community in dealing with the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
 The resolution reflects a shift in the international community’s attitude towards greater respect for international law and human rights; including the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
 Al Mezan expresses its hope that this resolution is a step towards admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.
  Al Mezan applauds the decision of the majority of the international community to recognize Palestine in this venue.
  While most states of the world acquitted themselves honorably, a number of mostly wealthy, Western states—including Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States—voted against membership for Palestine.
  Al Mezan forcefully deplores the rejectionist votes, which are an unmistakable display of contempt for the Palestinian right to self-determination and a repudiation of the principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as all other peoples.
  Al Mezan also regrets the decision of a substantial number of states to abstain from the vote, which is an unfortunate display of the continued failure to take action at a time when solidarity for justice is called for on a matter of principle.
  Al Mezan stresses the significance of UNESCO’s admission of Palestine, which could lead to material support for efforts to protect and respect the Palestinian, Islamic, and Christian cultural heritage in the oPt, including the Al Aqsa Mosque, which faces serious threats in connection with the continued colonial expansion in the occupied West Bank (including East Jerusalem).
  Al Mezan takes this opportunity to call for intensification of the diplomatic and political efforts towards realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and freedom from alien control and occupation.
 Al Mezan also calls for the immediate restoration of unity within the Palestinian political system and Palestinian strategy, particularly with regard to approaching international law and justice.
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