By The World Ambassador
TWA
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Well-deserved Accolade of Albanese and Mansour as the UN Person and Diplomat of the Year 2024 is an International Acknowledgment of their Extraordinary Contributions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, for being named the United Nations Person of the Year 2024 by PassBlue.
The Ministry also congratulates Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN in New York, for being recognized as Diplomat of the Year for 2024, and commends other persons who were nominated for this esteemed recognition.
This acknowledgment comes during one of the most severe years for the Palestinian people. Israel’s genocidal war in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the killing of at least 45,059 Palestinian civilians, the injury of 107,041 others, and the destruction of at least 85% of homes, leaving scars that will remain for generations. Amid this immense suffering, the steadfast, fearless and unwavering dedication efforts of Dr. Albanese and Ambassador Dr. Mansour in amplifying the voice of justice and exposing the ongoing genocide in Gaza Strip have been a source of hope and resilience.
In addition, the Ministry highly values the efforts of António Guterres, the Secretary General of the UN and Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in ensuring the continuity of specialized UN organizations, particularly UNRWA, which provides vital and irreplaceable services.
Despite unprecedented challenges, their work has been critical in saving lives and preserving the rights of millions of Palestinian refugees. Tragically, these efforts have come at great human cost, with the loss of 258 UN staff members in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing genocidal war.
The Ministry also acknowledges the pivotal role of Dr. Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN, in drafting and adopting Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire and promoting international peace and security through Malta’s non-permanent membership in the Security Council. Furthermore, it recognizes the significant contributions of Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and advocating for climate change action.
Although this recognition by PassBlue is not an official UN accolade, it represents the conscience of humanity and the global acknowledgment of their heroic contributions. It stands as a testament to the international community’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the rejection of impunity, and the ongoing injustice faced by the Palestinian people.
The Ministry reiterates its deep appreciation for all individuals who tirelessly work across international organizations, particularly within the UN, to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and peace. Their recognition is not only a celebration of their exceptional efforts but also a reminder that the struggle for Palestinian rights is a shared legal and moral responsibility of the entire world.
