The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1975, is mandated to support the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination, national sovereignty and the right of return.
It reports annually to the Assembly and coordinates advocacy, international meetings and capacity-building activities through the United Nations Division for Palestinian Rights.
UN chief calls for political solution
Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the urgency of promoting a political solution and warned committee members that conditions on the ground remained “dangerously fragile.”
“We enter 2026 with the clock ticking harder than ever,” he warned, asking: “Will the coming year tilt toward peace or slide into the abyss of despair?”
He cited the continued suffering of civilians in Gaza, increased displacement and settler violence and demolitions in the occupied West Bank. More than 37,000 Palestinians were forced to leave their homes during 2025.
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He also reaffirmed his support for the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), highlighting the sanctity of United Nations facilities and the protection of United Nations personnel.
Guterres stressed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“A solution with Israel and a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States,” he said.
The commitment must continue
Committee Chairman Seck said the body would continue its work “with responsibility and perseverance”, emphasizing the need to preserve the international momentum towards a political agreement and safeguard humanitarian and legal principles.
“The fact that this Committee continues its work is due to the support of its members and observers,” Seck said, pledging sustained commitment during one of the most difficult periods in Palestinian history.
Ceasefire call
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the Observer State of Palestine, welcomed the Committee’s continued advocacy, reiterating calls for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and accountability for violations of international law.
“Our people will never forget the work of this Committee and the governments that have supported them in the fight to achieve their inalienable rights,” said.