Human Rights Organizations appeal to the Special Rapporteur on Torture, urging the immediate halt of systematic abuse, torture, and ill-treatment of Palestinians detained in Israeli facilities

On 19 February 2024, Adalah, HaMoked, Physicians for Human Rights Israel, and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel jointly submitted a plea to the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur (SR) on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This submission, supported by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), urges the SR to take immediate action to halt the systematic abuse, torture, and ill-treatment of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli prisons and detention facilities.
 

Since 7 October 2023, at least seven Palestinians have died in Israeli custody and preliminary evidence indicates that abuse by IPS personnel could be the cause of death in several incidents. In the submission, the organizations describe a "brutal escalation" taking place over the past four months, “characterised by what appears to be systemic violence against Palestinians in Israeli custody”. The submission, along with the attached document delivered to the SR, provides details on approximately 20 cases of abuse, emphasizing an alarming trend. Israel’s violations against Palestinians detained in Israeli facilities include severe physical assaults causing significant injuries, sexual harassment and intimidation directed at both male and female detainees, as well as other humiliating acts and threats. These actions also constitute collective punishment and blatant violations of both domestic and international law. 
 

For further information, please refer to OMCT’s Informative Note

To access the complete submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on torture CLICK HERE 

The submission urgently implores the UN Special Rapporteur to immediately intervene to safeguard Palestinians in Israeli prison and detention facilities. This includes urging Israel to halt systematic abuse by IPS officers, establish safeguards against torture, ensure legal safeguards for all persons deprived of liberty from the outset, grant unrestricted access for lawyers and ICRC visitation to Israeli facilities, hault and penalize derogatory statements by government officials that encourage an environment conducive to torture and dehumanization, ensure access to adequate medical care for Palestinians in detention, and call on the international community to take immediate measures to end the torture and abuse of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90