STATEMENT BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE 58TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and follow-up to the World Conference on Human Rights Geneva, 2 April 2002
Mr. President, as we have all learned, since last weekend, there has been a severe deterioration in the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. I have been in touch with my Office in OPT this morning in order to brief the Commission on the factual situation.
As you will recall, two weeks ago, I expressed my worry at the worsening situation in the occupied Palestinian territories in my opening remarks to the Commission. I noted that regrettably, efforts of the international community, including those of the Commission on Human Rights, have not brought an end to the hostilities and Palestinians continue to be subjected to a wide range of human rights violations related to the ongoing occupation. Israel also continues to suffer from the deliberate planned killings of civilians.
Early on 29 March the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), supported by tanks, occupied Ramallah. On 1 April the IDF took control of Beit Jala, Qalqilya and Tulkarem. On 2 April the IDF invaded Bethlehem. Official Israeli statements indicate that the re-occupation of West Bank towns will continue for an extended period.
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and follow-up to the World Conference on Human Rights Geneva, 2 April 2002
Mr. President, as we have all learned, since last weekend, there has been a severe deterioration in the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. I have been in touch with my Office in OPT this morning in order to brief the Commission on the factual situation.
As you will recall, two weeks ago, I expressed my worry at the worsening situation in the occupied Palestinian territories in my opening remarks to the Commission. I noted that regrettably, efforts of the international community, including those of the Commission on Human Rights, have not brought an end to the hostilities and Palestinians continue to be subjected to a wide range of human rights violations related to the ongoing occupation. Israel also continues to suffer from the deliberate planned killings of civilians.
Early on 29 March the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), supported by tanks, occupied Ramallah. On 1 April the IDF took control of Beit Jala, Qalqilya and Tulkarem. On 2 April the IDF invaded Bethlehem. Official Israeli statements indicate that the re-occupation of West Bank towns will continue for an extended period.