Agenda Item 7: Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories

General Debate

Statement by: International Organisation for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD) and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

8 July 2019

Mr. President,

We would like to highlight the broad issue of the treatment of Palestinian women in detention. As compared to men, women have particular needs during pregnancy, childbirth and menstrual periods, none of which are typically addressed in Israeli detention facilities. With its behavior against women in detention, by not taking gender considerations into account, Israel is flagrantly disregarding international standards such as the “Bangkok Rules” on the treatment of women prisoners.

We also wish to express our concern over the violence perpetrated against Palestinian women during arrest, interrogation, investigation and detention by Israeli authorities. Palestinian women are subjected to a wide range of psychological and physical violence, including sexual harassment and rape, often used as a mechanism for exerting pressure during interrogations. Cases of such violence involve both police officers and officers of the Israeli Security Agency.

Mr. President,

EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on the Council and all States to take prompt measures seeking justice for those women who have faced sexual harassment and other abuses while detained by Israeli authorities.

Thank you.

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