STATEMENT BY ROBERT SERRY THE UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS ON PALESTINIAN PRISONERS

10th February 2012

The Special Coordinator follows with concern reports about the deteriorating conditions of one Palestinian in administrative detention who is on hunger strike. He calls on the Government of Israel to do everything in its power to preserve the health of the prisoner and resolve this case while abiding by all legal obligations under international law.

 

During his recent visit to Israel and the oPt, the Secretary-General discussed the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody with the Palestinian Minister of Prisoners Affairs Issa Karake.

 

UNSCO is following up on some of the issues related to the question of prisoners, particularly on the use of administrative detention, which should only be employed in exceptional circumstances, for as short a period as possible and without prejudice to the rights guaranteed to prisoners.

 

For further details contact:

Richard Miron
Chief Public Information Officer
United Nations Special Coordinator's Office
Mobile: +972 54 5627825
Email: mironr@un.org