19 June 2023
53rd session of the Human Rights Council
/…
I am extremely worried by the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In the occupied West Bank, excessive use of force and unlawful killings of Palestinians by the Israeli Security Forces have increased, including apparent extrajudicial killings. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, as well as forcible transfer of Palestinians through evictions, demolitions of homes, the expansion of settlements and settler violence also cry out for human rights-based solutions. However, although Israel‘s engagement with the UPR last month was constructive, its cooperation with the Special Procedures and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry is almost non-existent. In addition, for three years the authorities have not granted visas to my international colleagues to monitor issues on the ground. I sincerely hope that Israel’s acceptance of key recommendations during its fourth UPR cycle will be the basis for renewed, constructive engagement with my Office and the UN human rights ecosystem.
/…
Document Sources: Human Rights Council, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Country: Palestine (State of)
Subject: Extrajudicial killings, Gaza Strip, House demolitions, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Incidents, Living conditions, Security issues, Settlements, Violence
Publication Date: 19/06/2023
URL source: https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2023/06/urging-greater-cooperation-high-commissioner-turk-opens-human-rights-council