Ramallah, 13 March 2024 (TDI): The State of Palestine invited Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and her team to undertake an active tour of Palestine.
Pramila Patten was invited to meet with Palestinian victims and to collect, examine, and confirm information about the well-documented history of Israel’s sexual abuse against Palestinian women, men, and children who are detainees and missing people.
It is pertinent to note that Palestine underlined its dedication to following the law and welcomes Patten’s suggestion that the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights look into cases of sexual violence in Israel and Palestine.
In this vein, Palestine urged to ensure justice and put an end to impunity. For that, the COI is required to look into any abuses and violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
The State of Palestine further highlighted the need for accountability while recalling the COI’s earlier report on sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinian women by Israeli occupation forces.
Palestine also called on the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General to insist that Israel promptly abide by the Special Representative’s recommendations and allow the COI members to enter the country.
Israel’s cooperation is necessary to guarantee an independent, unbiased, and objective examination of this serious issue.
Also read: Palestine Ministry welcomes UN Secretary’s initiative for Gaza
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