Racism and racial discrimination/Contemporary forms – 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*

* The present document is being circulated as received, in the languages of submission only, as it greatly exceeds the word limitations currently imposed by the relevant General Assembly resolutions.

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 the communications sent to Governments by the Special Rapporteur between 31 January 2005 and 31 January 2006¹.   It also contains in summary form the replies received from Governments to his communications during the same period, as well as observations of the Special Rapporteur where considered appropriate. Replies to communications which were received by the Special Rapporteur after 31 January 2005 will be reflected in his next report.

SUMMARY OF CASES TRANSMITTED AND REPLIES RECEIVED

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Israel

43. In the absence of answer from the Government of Israel concerning his communication of 24 May 2004 (see E/CN.4/2005/18/Add.1, page 9), the Special Rapporteur is forced to consider the following case no longer as an allegation but as a proven fact:

44. Since 2001, the Government of Israel refuses to issue press cards to Palestinian journalists as well as to renew their press accreditation. This is done on the grounds that Palestinians pose a potential security threat by being Palestinians. The Israeli High Court of Justice found that the Government Press Office was acting illegally, in a 25 April 2004 ruling, which added that Palestinian journalists should be given press cards if they have been given security clearance to work in Israel. However, reports indicate that on 11 May, the Government petitioned the High Court, claiming that threatening statements from militant Palestinian groups have now made Palestinian journalists a danger to Israeli leaders in particular, therefore in effect continuing this practice implemented since 2001.

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¹General statistical information on communications sent by Special Procedures in 2005 is available on OHCHR website : www.ohchr.org.

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