The UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Condemns Israel’s Violations of International Human Rights Law

Today, in response to the conclusion of its 25th session, the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (‘UN CESCR’) issued two letters condemning Israel’s violations of international human rights law. 

In one letter, addressed to the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN Office, the UN CESCR chairperson states that: “The Committee is particularly concerned about the lack of protection for Palestinian civilians in the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territories] and the renewed maltreatment of Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel.”  The letter also expresses grave concern over “Discrimination in law enforcement practices, including the disproportionate use of force and procedures against Palestinians in the occupied territories and Palestinian citizens of Israel.” This letter is the first UN document since the beginning of the Al-Aqsa Intifada to directly address violations against Palestinian citizens of Israel—in particular the events of October 2000 in which 13 Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed and hundreds more injured.

UN CESCR also sent a letter to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) informing ECOSOC of its findings and underscoring the need for protective measures for the population of the OPT.  This letter refers to materials submitted to the UN CESCR’s 25th session by Adalah and many other NGO sources. 

Adalah welcomes the UN CESCR’s remarks regarding Israel’s violations of economic, social and cultural rights, and calls upon Israel to respect the international norms addressed in the UN CESCR’s letters.