Geneva, 23 July 2022 (TDI): The United Nations (UN) Geneva Committee against Torture finished its assessment of the initial report on Palestine on 20 July. Palestine’s support for female victims of violence impressed the committee. The committee also raised questions about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of legislation defining and ending torture.
First review of the report of #Palestine 🇵🇸 to the
Committee against Torture: Committee Experts praise the State of 🇵🇸 for supporting female victims of violence, ask about conditions in detention centres & torture legislation.Read our meeting summary: https://t.co/UnWaMf2WQJ pic.twitter.com/h1afYSXHHX
— UN Geneva (@UNGeneva) July 22, 2022
There have been several reports in recent years about the systematic nature of Palestinian torture. Furthermore, a court case in Israel a few years ago awarded millions of dollars in shackles and damages to Palestinians who had been tortured by the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestine delegation
The delegation was led by Ziyad M. M. Habalreeh, Minister of Interior of the State of Palestine. It consisted of representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Health, Justice, and Social Development. Other representatives from the High Judicial Council, Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre, and also the Permanent Mission of the state of Palestine to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
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Palestine’s efforts to improve
The responses of the delegation reflected the Palestinian State’s commitment to reviewing its performance and adhering to its international obligations. The State Party was also ratifying international treaties that would succeed these laws, with the goal of making torture illegal.
A new Penal Code was being written, but there were still gaps that needed to be filled. Through the assistance of international organizations, the State would do everything possible to maintain the rule of law in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian Authority has previously claimed responsibility in international forums for the documented torture, citing Israel and the occupation, but they will be analyzing this time.
Torture was not part of the culture of the Palestinian state. Torture on a large scale would open Pandora’s Box of violence and hatred. Therefore, the State Party hates torture and does not tolerate it.
The State of Palestine was in an exceptional position, living under Israeli occupation. The occupation hampered all aspects of life in the State of Palestine. However, the State Party accepted responsibility for protecting its citizens’ rights.
The Committee’s observations were profound, and the State party promised to work hard to put the Committee’s recommendations into action.
The committee also said that a unit has been put in place to consider violence against women in partnership with the UN. The state will also mobilize resources to build a new detention facility in Hebron. This will solve the problem of overcrowding.
Palestine has also acknowledged the right to freedom of association and assembly as a fundamental right.
 Geneva Committee against Torture finished its assessment of the initial report on Palestine on 20 July....read more){kind=link}