Two globally renowned figures in the field of human rights will address the National Press Club in Canberra on 1 October on the topic “Palestine recognition: necessary but insufficient”.

The talks by Professor Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, and Chris Sidoti, Commissioner on the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, come in the wake of the recognition of the state of Palestine by Australia and a number of other countries.

In a statement, the NPC said: “Australia has finally recognised the state of Palestine, almost 80 years after it recognised the State of Israel and after three quarters of the world had already accepted Palestinian statehood.

“Recognition acknowledges the legal and factual reality that Palestine is already a state, but also that the current Israeli Government has pledged to never negotiate to allow Palestinian independence or respect the right to Palestinian self-determination, at a time when Palestinian territory has been ravaged by the war in Gaza and illegal settler expansion in the West Bank.

“Recognition belatedly puts Australia on the right side of history and opens up a path to deeper ties with the Palestinian Government and the Palestinian people. It is politically and symbolically important.

“Recognition is, however, only a start. By itself it will not end the violence in Gaza or rebuild Gaza, liberate the Palestinian territories from illegal foreign occupation, evacuate the illegal Israeli settlements, or address issues of justice and accountability, and durable peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

“This Press Club address considers what Australia’s recognition of Statehood legally and practically means, as well as what must come next to bring peace with justice and respect for international law.”

The speeches by Saul and Sidoti will be delivered from 11.30am onwards and will be broadcast live by the ABC’s News channel.