RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The high-level event, which ran from Dec. 11-12 in Geneva, focused on boosting international cooperation for the protection of human rights amid global challenges, including wars.

During his speech, Prince Faisal highlighted that the anniversary of the declaration coincided with the human rights violations taking place in occupied Palestine.

He emphasized the critical role of the international community in upholding and advancing human rights through cooperation in both times of peace and war, as outlined in the Geneva conventions and their additional protocols, which focus on protecting civilians.

Prince Faisal pointed out Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law in Palestine and expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of these acts. He also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ call for an immediate cease-fire.

“The bitter reality in the Gaza Strip will affect international security and the credibility of United Nations bodies by allowing the selective implementation of international law,” the foreign minister said.

He underscored the need to grant Palestinians their rights to a dignified life, security, essential needs and self-determination.

Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advocating for an immediate cease-fire, ensuring safe aid delivery to Gaza, releasing Palestinian prisoners, and forging a path toward a just and enduring peace.

Discussions at the event also centered on the importance of upholding and promoting respect for social, cultural, economic, civil and political rights and implementing measures to safeguard them.

Prince Faisal also led a delegation from the ministerial committee formed by the extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic summit, which held multiple meetings in Geneva.