Ref: 21/2006

Date:  08 June 2006

Sourani Meets German Representative to the PNA and Second Secretary, and Visits UNRWA Commissioner General

On 7 June 2006, Mr. Jorg Ranau (Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ramallah) and Mr. Philip Barret Holzapfel (Second Secretary and Political Officer at the Representative Office) visited PCHR.

The guests met Mr. Raji Sourani (PCHR Director), who briefed them about the human rights situation and the deteriorating economic, social and humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).  Sourani raised the issue of collective punishment against the Palestinian people by the international community.  He expressed dismay at punishing the Palestinian people for exercising democracy, especially since the elections were commended by the international community as being fair and free.

Sourani pointed that, for years, human rights organizations and civil society institutions have been requesting the international community to intervene and take practical steps against Israeli violations of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.  He indicated that these requests were made in an effort to force Israel to fulfill its obligations with regard to Palestinian civilians in the OPT.  However, punitive measures were instead taken against the victim after the Hamas victory in the parliamentary elections, and the formation of government by the same party.

Sourani expressed dismay over the double standards evident in the position of countries that have decided to stop aid, especially the European Union.  He stated that these countries must reconsider their unjust position, which will have catastrophic effects on the living conditions of Palestinians in the OPT.  In addition, Sourani pointed that such positions will have a negative impact on advocates of democracy and human rights in the region.

In addition, Sourani and Mr. Jaber Weshah (PCHR’s deputy director) visited Ms. Karen Abu Zayd, UNRWA Commissioner-General, in her office in Gaza City.  The meeting discussed UNRWA’s plans to deal with the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip as a result of the sanctions imposed on the Palestinian people.  Sourani and Weshah commended UNRWA’s role and efforts in dealing with the developments on the ground.