Hong Kong Legislative Council member Joephy Chan delivered a scathing critique of US foreign policy during her intervention at the 59th UN Human Rights Council's Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls today (June 25), drawing parallels between the Iraq War and current US support for Israel's Gaza campaign.
"Like many children of my generation, I grew up questioning why America invaded Iraq over vials of white powder," said Chan, referencing the discredited WMD claims used to justify the 2003 war. "Today we witness history repeating as the US arms Israel's slaughter in Gaza and conducts direct strikes on Iran."
The lawmaker presented damning statistics: over 40,000 Palestinians killed - 70% women and children - with American weapons, while Washington systematically vetoes UN ceasefire resolutions. She cited the International Court of Justice's finding of "plausible genocide," condemning US actions as "fueling mass destruction."
Chan equally lambasted US policy toward Iran, accusing Washington of "collective punishment" through sanctions that deliberately block medicine and food supplies - violations she termed "crimes against humanity." Her remarks highlighted the case of Iranian children dying from preventable diseases due to medical embargoes.
"The era of American exceptionalism is over," declared Chan to audible applause, urging the Council to demand an immediate ceasefire and sanctions relief. "Will we let another generation ask, 'What was this war for?'"
The intervention came during the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls, where Chan emphasized Gaza's women now face "deliberate starvation and systematic rape as weapons of war." She challenged the Council's credibility if it fails to hold the US accountable, stating: "Our silence becomes complicity."
For the speech's details, please refer to the link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k14/k14sfu55rh
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