Human rights in southern Lebanon – CHR – Letter from Israel

QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND

FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD

Note verbale dated 5 April 2001 from the Permanent Mission of Israel to the

United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the Secretariat of the

Commission on Human Rights

The Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva presents its compliments to the secretariat of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on Human Rights and has the honour to communicate the following information regarding the upcoming vote under item 9 on draft resolution E/CN.4/2001/L.2, entitled Human rights situation of the Lebanese detainees in Israel:

In the last few days, during the debate in the Commission on Human Rights, claims were made by the Lebanese representative alleging that Israel has failed to disclose information regarding the location of mines in southern Lebanon, and has failed to hand over maps of such minefields.  Unfortunately, these allegations were made with the full knowledge that they are completely and utterly false, with the intention of deliberately misleading this forum.

On 24 May 2000, Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 425.  Less than a week after the withdrawal, on 1 June 2000, Israeli Defense Force Liaison to the United Nations Forces met with Lt. Col. Mishio of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for the purpose of handing over files containing information and maps of mines and clusters laid by IDF.  Additional assistance was offered should UNIFIL require it.

The confirmation of transfer of the files, attached herewith,* clearly demonstrates that the Lebanese claims do not conform to the actual course of events.

Two additional points should be emphasized regarding the issue of mines in southern Lebanon.  First, during the past few decades, southern Lebanon was, and continues to be, a hotbed for terrorist activity.  Among other things, terrorist groups such as the Hezbollah, placed large quantities of mines and booby-traps in the area.  Needless to say, these mines and booby-traps were never marked, mapped or reported.  In many cases, passers-by were killed, or severely injured, after stepping unsuspectingly on seemingly innocent grounds.  Today these mines and booby-traps continue to pose a threat to the civilian population in Lebanon.

Second, under the United Nations Security Council resolution and under international law, after Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, it is the responsibility of the Government of Lebanon to establish effective authority and control over the area.  Security Council resolutions 1310 and 1337 recently confirmed Israel’s withdrawal in conformity with resolution 425, whilst reiterating Lebanon’s yet-unfulfilled responsibilities.  Lebanon has failed to meet its internationally recognized duties.  Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that the minefields, which were formerly clearly marked, might have deteriorated and could, therefore, pose a threat to the population at large.

The Permanent Mission of Israel requests that this document be circulated as an official document of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on Human Rights.

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*  Reproduced as received, in the language of submission only.

ANNEX

IDF Liaison to UN Forces

Lebanon (Rosh Hanigra)

Subject:  Delivery of files about minefields in South Lebanon

IDF Liaison by here delivers to UNIFIL the files with details that include:

1.  Minefield layouts on the international border bypasses.

2.  A list of clusters that were placed by IDF.

3.  A list of trappings in the I.C.A.

4.  Minefield layouts of positions in the I.C.A.  The files are to be used by UNIFIL for the Force's

activities during their redeployment, and to enhance the safety of the local population in South Lebanon.

If UNIFIL engineers have questions regarding the files, a meeting will be arranged between IDF and

UNIFIL professional representatives.

UNIFIL Representative who Received the Files

Name and duty:               Lt. Col. DK MISHIO (SOO)          

Date:              1 June 2000                      

Location:              Rosh Hanigra             

Signature: _______(signed)