A/HRC/10/15 page 2 3. In a note verbale dated 13 January 2009 addressed to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations Office at Geneva stressed that Egypt regarded the Syrian Golan as an occupied territory, in violation of international law. It did not recognize the annexation of the Golan by Israel or any other Israeli administrative decision to impose Israeli identity on the residents of the Golan. Egypt also denounced the policy of confiscating the land of Syrian citizens and the construction of Israeli settlements, which it stressed were illegal. Egypt reaffirmed the right of Syrian citizens to freedom of movement, as well as their right to receive medical treatment and to education. Lastly, it demanded that the occupying Power release all Syrian detainees and captives held in Israeli jails. 4. In a note verbale dated 27 January 2009, the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations Office at Geneva informed OHCHR that South Africa believed that the occupation by Israel of the Golan Heights was inconsistent with, and in contravention of, the basic principles of international law. The Government of South Africa stressed that the occupation of the Golan Heights was illegal in terms of international law and could not be justified. Lastly, it indicated that it would continue to support the resolutions of the General Assembly and Council calling on Israel to end its illegal occupation of the Syrian Golan. -----