Racism and racial discrimination – Special Rapporteur report – Communications with Governments/Addendum (excerpts)

RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND

ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION

Report by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms

of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and

related intolerance, Mr. Doudou Diène

Addendum

Summary of cases transmitted to Governments and replies received^*

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* The report is being circulated in the languages of submission only.

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Introduction

1. This addendum to the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance gives an account of actions undertaken by the Special Rapporteur between 1 January 2004 and 31 January 2005. It also contains in summary form the replies received from Governments to his communications, as well as observations of the Special Rapporteur where considered appropriate.

2. Replies to communications sent by the Special Rapporteur in December 2004 will be included in the Special Rapporteur’s report to the sixty-second session of the Commission on Human Rights, together with any late replies.

SUMMARY OF CASES TRANSMITTED AND REPLIES RECEIVED 

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Israel 

20. On 24 May 2004 the Special Rapporteur, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an urgent appeal to the Government, concerning the alleged refusal by the Government of Israel to issue press cards to Palestinian journalists as well as refusing, since 2001, to renew their press accreditation. This was reportedly done on the grounds that Palestinians pose a potential security threat by being Palestinians. This position was challenged before the High Court of Justice of Israel by media organizations. On 25 April 2004 the High Court decided that the Government Press Office was acting illegally in this regard and ruled that Palestinian journalists should be given press cards once they had been given a security clearance to work in Israel. Reports indicate however, that on 11 May 2004, the Government petitioned the High Court claiming that threatening statements from militant Palestinian groups had now made Palestinian journalists a danger to Israeli leaders in particular, therefore in effect continuing the discriminatory practice implemented since 2001.

Observations 

21. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply to his communication had been received from the Government of Israel at the time this report was finalised.

22. The Special Rapporteur intends to follow up on this case. In the eventuality that no response is received from the Government, he will no longer treat the case as a mere allegation but will include it in his next general report.

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