UN General Assembly
2013

On human rights, Solomon Islands recognizes that all States bear the responsibility to protect their citizens. We believe that all States must take feasible steps to ensure that the rights of their people are protected. Solomon Islands, in that regard, condemns all human rights violations against civilians, wherever they may occur. On the Middle East, we continue to watch with horror the daily carnage and the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. We note with concern the preliminary findings of the United Nations investigation team confirming the use of chemical weapons. Solomon Islands welcomes the Russian and United States initiatives to destroy chemical weapons in Syria, and further supports all efforts to find a diplomatic and political solution to the civil war. On Israel and Palestine, we support all international efforts for the two States to resume negotiations and achieve a just, lasting and sustainable peace. Solomon Islands remains an arms-free State. We note that the use of conventional and unconventional arms in the wrong hands threatens international peace and stability. Solomon Islands welcomes the recently