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Press Release
PCHR Welcomes the UN Human Rights Inquiry Commission to
Investigate Israeli Human Rights Violations in
the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Ref: 3/2001
Date: February 11, 2001
The UN Human Rights Inquiry Commission arrived today in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in order to investigate Israeli human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law. This commission was established on 19 October 2000 by resolution (E/CN.4/S-5/L.2/Rev.1) of the Commission on Human Rights, one of the nine deliberative bodies of the UN Economic and Social Council. In accordance with the resolution, the Commission consists of three independent international experts appointed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. This resolution was adopted upon the conclusion of a special session devoted to address the Israeli violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In the above session, the Commission on Human Rights also condemned the practices of the Israeli occupation forces as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Upon conclusion of its work, the Commission will submit its conclusions and recommendations to the Commission on Human Rights.
In contrast to its boycott of the US-led investigation committee established following the October 2000 Sharm al-Sheikh summit, PCHR welcomes the international commission of inquiry established under UN auspices. Whereas the US-led “fact-finding” mission lacks mechanisms to ensure the fair investigation of Israeli human rights abuses, the UN Human Rights Inquiry Commission meets the necessary criteria put forth by PCHR and the Palestinian human rights movement. PCHR asserts that only the UN Human Rights Inquiry Commission will be able to investigate Israeli human rights abuses in an objective and professional fashion. In addition due to its independence, this commission will be able to visit the affected areas, receive eyewitness testimonies, review all documents and data, and to meet all relevant parties. As such, the Israeli government has strongly objected to and officially boycotted the UN Human Rights Inquiry Commission because it fears the international consequences of the Commission’s results being made public.
PCHR states that it wishes to extend all possible assistance to the UN commission of inquiry in its efforts to investigate Israeli human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. PCHR plans to provide the commission with the detailed documentation of Israeli human rights violations against Palestinian civilians and their property it has compiled over the past months. PCHR also expresses its willingness to facilitate the Commission of Inquiry’s access to victims of Israeli human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Similarly, PCHR urges all Palestinian civil society organizations and institutions to encourage eyewitnesses, victims, and their families to meet with the Commission in order to provide it with all available information regarding Israeli human rights violations and breaches of international law.
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