The Human Rights Office calls on the Palestinian authorities to put an end to the practices of arbitrary detention and torture

The office stated that the Palestinian authorities continue to deprive dozens of Palestinians of their freedom arbitrarily or illegally, and according to reports, many of them are detained under a law that the Palestinian Supreme Constitutional Court has ruled unconstitutional.

The office explained that it collected information regarding a number of male prisoners, including children, who continued to be detained by Palestinian security forces despite the issuance of judicial orders for their release.

Testimonies from detainees

Some detainees in Palestinian detention facilities reported being subjected to torture and other ill-treatment, including being forced into painful stress positions, subjected to severe beatings, flogging, and prolonged solitary confinement. Detainees who reported torture and ill-treatment often reported being suspended in a position known as “the shabeh,” where their hands are tied behind their backs and they are suspended from the ceiling by their wrists for days on end.

The Human Rights Office explained that the Palestinian authorities have worked closely with the office in recent years and have made some progress, including legal reforms and increased cooperation with the United Nations Committee against Torture. However, the office said there is still more to be done to ensure the rights and dignity of Palestinian detainees.

The Human Rights Office called on the Palestinian authorities to immediately stop all forms of torture and other ill-treatment of detainees, as well as all forms of arbitrary or illegal detention.

He also stressed the need to treat people deprived of their liberty in a humane manner that takes into account their dignity. Among other things, they should have regular access to the fresh air, be provided with adequate living space to prevent overcrowding, and have access to adequate food, medical care, clothing, sanitation and hygiene conditions. They should also have the right to challenge the legality of their detention before a court, according to the UN office.

Conduct prompt, thorough and independent investigations

The office said that the Palestinian authorities must also conduct prompt, comprehensive, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees, and hold those responsible for such practices accountable.

To prevent the recurrence of these violations, the Human Rights Office called on the Government of the State of Palestine to implement its obligations within the framework of the National Committee against Torture, and under the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and to establish a national preventive mechanism authorized to conduct regular visits to places of detention.