Jerusalem, 08 May 2014
Local statement on Independent Commission of Human Rights' Annual Human Rights Report 2013
The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah welcome the 2013 Human Rights Report published by the Independent Commission on Human Rights (ICHR). They note with concern the report's findings related to complaints of torture notwithstanding President Abbas' instruction that the prohibition on torture should be respected. They also highlight the report's conclusions regarding the increase in arbitrary detention, disrespect of court rulings and violations of public freedoms including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The missions urge the Palestinian authorities to take further steps to address these issues in accordance with the report's recommendations and the commitments they have recently made following accession to a range of UN human rights instruments.
The EU welcomes the extensive dialogue on human rights which exists with the Palestinian Authority. The EU remains fully committed to supporting Palestinian efforts to ensure greater respect for human rights including with Palestinian institutions and civil society. It underlines the important work carried out by the ICHR and calls on the Palestinian Authority to live up to its financial commitments to the ICHR.
Contact:
EU Press Office on +972-2-541 5888
Document Sources: European Union (EU)
Subject: Human rights and international humanitarian law, Prisoners and detainees, Torture
Publication Date: 08/05/2014