Mideast situation/Refugee Camps – Statement by UNHCHR – Press release

UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS JOINS SECRETARY-GENERAL

IN CALLING FOR ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM PALESTINIAN CAMPS

The following statement was issued today in Cairo by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson:

During my current visit to the Arab region, the worsening situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has preoccupied me. It is clear that it is having a very negative impact on respect for the integrity of international human rights.

I would like to express my dismay at the incursion of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in the two refugee camps in Nablus and Jenin, resulting in the death of about 17 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier, and the injury of many more Palestinian refugees, in total disregard of international human rights and humanitarian law.

I join United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in calling for the immediate withdrawal of the IDF from the refugee camps, for an end to the attacks in densely populated areas and for ensuring full respect for the immunity of humanitarian facilities.

I view with concern the growing perception of a double-standard approach to the serious situation in the region.

I continue to maintain that this state of human rights cannot be resolved except through a just political settlement based on international legality. I would therefore strongly urge all parties concerned to redouble their efforts to find a political way forward.

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