Torture Convention – Consideration of Reports/Conclusions & Recommendations

 

UNEDITED VERSION

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES

UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION

Conclusions and Recommendations of the Committee against Torture

Israel

1. The Committee considered the third periodic report of Israel (CAT/C/54/Add.l) at its 495th and 498th meetings, on 20 and 21 November 2001 (CAT/C/SR.495 and 498), and adopted the following conclusions and recommendations.

Introduction

2. The Committee welcomes the third periodic report of Israel, due on 1 November 2000 and received on 15 March 2001.  The report is in full conformity with the guidelines of the Committee on the preparation of State party periodic reports.

3. The Committee compliments the State party for ensuring periodicity of reports in a timely fashion and welcomes the continuation of a constructive dialogue with Israel.

Positive aspects

4. The Committee welcomes the following:

a) The September 1999 Supreme Court judgement in the case of Public Committee against Torture in Israel v. the State of Israel which held that the use of certain interrogation methods by the Israel Security Agency (ISA) involving the use of "moderate physical pressure", was illegal as it violated constitutional protection of the individual's right to dignity.

b) The issuance by authorities of the Israeli Security Agency of a directive to all personnel that the decision of the Court should be strictly adhered to in all investigations conducted by the ISA.

c) That the Israeli Government has decided not to initiate legislation that would authorize the use of physical means in interrogations conducted by the police or ISA.

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