Statement by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator
in the occupied Palestinian territory, James W. Rawley, on Palestinian Detainees
Ramallah, Wednesday 13 February 2013
Today, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator James W. Rawley met with Palestinian Minister of Prisoner and Detainee Affairs, Issa Qaraqe, in Ramallah and expressed the United Nations’ continued concern about Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. They discussed the situation of four Palestinian detainees currently on hunger strike and, in particular, the critical health condition of one Palestinian detainee, Samer Issawi, who has been on hunger strike for more than 200 days.
The Humanitarian Coordinator reiterated the position of the United Nations Secretary-General, namely that those detained should be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees in accordance with international standards, or released without delay.
Mr. Rawley also remains engaged with Israeli authorities with whom he has stressed the need to urgently resolve this issue.
Document Type: Press Release, Statement
Document Sources: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the OPT
Subject: Human rights and international humanitarian law, Prisoners and detainees
Publication Date: 13/02/2013