62nd Session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the COI on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Joint Statement on the violations of human rights of Palestinian prisoners and detainees
15th June 17:30m in Room Assembly Hall
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross‑regional group of countries.
The treatment of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory violates International Human Rights Law.
We are deeply concerned by the reports of numerous United Nations mechanisms, including this Commission of Inquiry, and humanitarian actors, denouncing arbitrary and administrative detention without charge, denial of due process guarantees, torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, restrictions on access to medical care, legal representation and family visits in Israeli detention centres.
We urge Israel, the occupying power, to comply with its obligations under international law, to ensure regular access for the ICRC, families of Palestinian prisoners and detainees and NGOs to detention centers, revise its detentions laws and practices, and constructively engage with the United Nations and humanitarian actors.
We are also alarmed by the adoption of new legislation on death penalty.
These measures have a disproportionate impact on women, children and persons in vulnerable situations deprived of liberty.
This Council and its mechanisms must stand ready to condemn and contribute to accountability for these human rights violations.
We recall that all parties are bound by International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, including the absolute prohibition of torture.
Full respect of the rights and dignity of Palestinian prisoners and detainees and independent monitoring of detention conditions must be ensured.
Thank you.