UN expert urges Israel to investigate allegations of torture of Palestinian detainees – JURIST

The UN special rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, on Thursday urged the Israeli government to investigate the numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment against Palestinians detained since the start of the Israel-Israel conflict. Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Edwards stressed the importance of humane treatment of detainees and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, noting allegations of abuse against Palestinian prisoners since the October 7 attacks. detainees »must benefit from all the protections required by international human rights law and humanitarian law, whatever the circumstances of their detention.

Reports include allegations of beatings, prolonged blindfolding, handcuffing, sleep deprivation and threats of violence. Edwards highlighted concerns about a lack of accountability and transparency, exacerbating overcrowding and lowering detention standards. She urged Israel to investigate all allegations of torture. She added:

Israeli authorities must promptly, impartially, effectively and transparently investigate all complaints and reports of torture or ill-treatment. Those responsible at all levels, including commanders, must be held accountable, while victims are entitled to reparation and compensation.

Edwards also offered to help Israel review detention conditions through an official visit.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, established by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1985 and most recently extended in April 2023, investigates and reports account of torture in the world, whatever the conventional status of a State. The mandate includes urgent appeals, fact-finding visits and annual reports. Edwards, the current rapporteur, was appointed in July 2022 and is the first woman to hold the position. Edwards is a renowned lawyer and human rights advocate with extensive experience in international law and victim support.

Recently, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim AA Khan requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and senior Hamas leaders for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Israel-Hamas war.

Netanyahu and Gallant face charges including starvation and cruel treatment as methods of warfare, intentional homicide and attacks against civilians. Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh are accused of extermination, murder, hostage-taking, rape, sexual violence, torture and cruel treatment in captivity, with specific allegations that Hostages taken on October 7 were subjected to inhumane conditions. like torture. The ICC will now consider these requests.