55th session of the Human Rights Council
27th March 2024
Item 7: General debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories
Statement of International Organisation for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and Geneva International Centre for Justice

Delivered by Saja Misherqi /GICJ

Thank you

As the Human Rights Council convenes, over 9,100 Palestinian prisoners languish in Israeli prisons, nearly double since October 7th. Israeli authorities have escalated arrests and detentions, particularly since the Gaza onslaught began, inflicting collective punishment on Palestinian communities.

Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, endure horrific conditions in Israeli prisons, facing not only daily physical and psychological torture but also systematic abuses, with sexual exploitation running rampant. Since October 7th, these have intensified, with testimonies gathered by PCATI detailing severe beatings, food and drink deprivation, and medical neglect. So far, at least 10 prisoners are confirmed dead.

Furthermore, at least 27 detainees from Gaza have been found dead in Israeli military custody, with estimates of hundreds of detainees having been forcibly disappeared and classified as illegal combatants. These people face brutal treatment without access to legal counsel or visits from the Red Cross.

Mr. President, With thousands of Palestinian prisoners suffering egregious human rights violations, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice emphasise the need for an immediate cessation of Israel’s inhumane acts. Upholding the Convention Against Torture is imperative, requiring an immediate, impartial international investigation into all cases of abuse and deaths. The Israeli regime must be held accountable for violating Palestinian rights and flouting international law.

Thank you.

#GICJ #Geneva4Justice #GenevaInternationalCentreforJustice #HRC55 #HumanRights #IHL #nonstateactors #unitednations #geneva #justice #viral