COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOME OF UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW PROCESS ON UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, BEGINS CONSIDERATION OF OUTCOME ON ISRAEL

The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review process on the report on the United Arab Emirates, and began its consideration of Universal Periodic Review process on the report on Israel.

At the beginning of the meeting, Martin I. Uhumoibi, the President of the Council, called on all participants to adhere to a behaviour that was commensurate to the dignity which should be inherent to the discussion, as some had been using disrespective and abusive language. It was of utmost importance that when discussing human rights issues, everybody respected each other’s views, avoided abusive language and upheld UN standards when referring to countries and territories.

Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, presenting additional information on the review, said in tackling its human rights challenges, the United Arab Emirates was resolute about improving its own record and contributing effectively at the global level. This aspiration stemmed from its cultural heritage and religious values, which enshrined justice, equality and tolerance. Apart from making nine voluntary commitments to better address human rights issues, the United Arab Emirates had received 74 recommendations in December, which were given due consideration. While thirty-six were accepted and seventeen considered for detailed study, the rest did not enjoy the country's support because of several social, cultural and legal factors. The United Arab Emirates was proud of its human rights achievements in a short span of time, but also humbly realized that much more needed to be done, and was ready to do the same both individually and at the global level.

During the discussion on the United Arab Emirates, speakers appreciated and welcomed the efforts taken to implement the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review, and the cooperative nature in which the United Arab Emirates conducted itself; the significant success in improving the living conditions of foreign workers in the country; the ratification of the United Nations protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons; the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to sign the Convention Against Torture and the Protocol of the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the early ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the enactment of laws to put an end to violence against women; and the measures taken to combat human trafficking, especially for women and children.

Speaking during the discussion on the United Arab Emirates were Algeria, Bahrain, Cuba, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman, Kuwait, Yemen and Qatar. Representatives of the following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: the Geneva Infant Feeding Association, Action Internationale Pour la Paix et le Development dans la Region des Grands Lacs, World Federation of Trade Unions, Arab Commission for Human Rights, Hawa society for Women, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Interfaith International, Comite International Pour le Respect et l’Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples, Indian Council of South America, African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development, and Cercle de Recherche sur les Droits et les Devoirs de la Personne Humaine.


Aharon Leshno Yaar, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva, presenting additional information on the review, said Israel had agreed to adopt the recommendation regarding the investigation of allegations of violence and killings allegedly committed by the police. Israel also agreed to adopt the recommendation regarding the law on polygamy and has recently re-instructed the Qaddi’s of the Sharia Courts to refer every suspected case of polygamy to the police; and also decided to adopt the recommendation to ensure full protection to the rights of minorities. Israel had also taken upon itself to promote the recommendations on the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; to consider strengthening the dialogue with the Council and its special procedures and the cooperation with all relevant United Nations special procedures and mechanisms; and to grant the right to those who object to serve in the army on conscientious rounds to serve instead with a civilian body independent of the military.

During the discussion on Israel, speakers commended Israel for its participation in the Universal Periodic Review process, however, many raised serious concerns over the continued violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, with regard to Israel’s continued occupation of the Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan. Speakers urged Israel to address numerous other recommendations made by the Working Group which had not been addressed, such as the increased blockade in the Gaza Strip, which was of serious concern to many speakers, in particular Israel’s violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, with the use of white phosphorus bombs in civilian populated areas. Israel's commitment to narrowing gaps between different communities in Israel, and its determination to improve the status of women within all sectors of Israeli society was welcomed.

Speaking during the debate on Israel were Palestine, Cuba, Syria, Egypt, Iran, Yemen, Malaysia and the United States. Representatives of the following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Amnesty International, Arab Commission for Human Rights, Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims, World Federation of United Nations Associations, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Conscience and Peace Tax International, Women’s International Zionist Organization, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Society Studies Centre, and African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development.

The Human Rights Council will conclude its consideration of the outcome on Israel on Friday, 20 March. The next meeting of the Council will be at 3 p.m. today, when it will proceed with the consideration of the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review process on Liechtenstein, Serbia, Turkmenistan and Burkina Faso.


Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report on United Arab Emirates

ANWAR MOHAMMAD GARGASH, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, said the United Arab Emirates reiterated its belief in the Universal Periodic Review process as a promising United Nations General Assembly mechanism to constructively promote the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In tackling its human rights challenges, the United Arab Emirates was resolute about improving its own record and contributing effectively at the global level. This aspiration stemmed from its cultural heritage and religious values, which enshrined justice, equality and tolerance. Apart from making nine voluntary commitments to better address human rights issues, the United Arab Emirates had received 74 recommendations in December, which were given due consideration. While thirty-six were accepted and seventeen considered for detailed study, the rest did not enjoy the country's support because of several social, cultural and legal factors.

Through a process of interactive dialogue, involving a number of officials and organisations, including those belonging to federal and local Governments, and civil society organisations, the Action Plan was designed to determine the scope of work, take follow-up action on the implementation process and submit periodic status reports on the work accomplished. Among the steps taken to realise Voluntary Commitments and recommendations were the ratification of the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. The Ministry of Social Affairs had signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the additional protocol, and they were in the process of being ratified. The Government had initiated a detailed study of human rights commissions in various countries to help formulate its own national institution, in line with the Paris Principles.

In relation to a number of recommendations dealing with strengthening human rights mechanisms, the Universal Periodic Review Committee was studying various measures that were in line with its beliefs and traditions, particularly Islamic Sharia, and in coordination with the concerned authorities. The United Arab Emirates would study ways of further protecting women's rights, in coordination with relevant authorities. Following a review of seventeen recommendations that were categorised as being "under study", the United Arab Emirates identified nine of them as being in direct contradiction with the Constitution, religious code, traditional values and national interest, hence not enjoying the country's support. The remaining eight recommendations continued to be under study, and the Government and civil society organizations were debating these issues to determine the future course of action. The United Arab Emirates was proud of its human rights achievements in a short span of time, but also humbly realised that much more needed to be done, and was ready to do the same both individually and at the global level.

BOUALEM CHEBIHI (Algeria) said that Algeria had had the opportunity to give its view on the Universal Periodic Review on the United Arab Emirates last December. Algeria appreciated the positive response of the United Arab Emirates and the organization of seminars. The dialogue with civil society allowed the Council to know more about steps taken to promote and protect human rights at all levels. The commitment of the country to ensure human rights for all had been shown by a spreading of a human rights culture. The United Arab Emirates had made considerable effort to promote human rights of women, human rights of migrant workers and to combat human trafficking.

ABDULLA ABDULLATIF ABDULLA (Bahrain) welcomed the delegation of the United Arab Emirates. Bahrain appreciated the efforts that the Government of the United Arab Emirates had taken, and in particular the efforts taken to implement the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review. The United Arab Emirates was giving a new thrust to human rights in the country; Bahrain welcomed the Government’s cooperation with United Nations mechanisms. Bahrain also appreciated that the United Arab Emirates acceded to the protocol against trafficking in persons, and expressed appreciation to the Government’s work in the area of countering this type of trafficking.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates had also accepted to cooperate with all stakeholders who aimed to stamp out trafficking. Bahrain expressed appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates to combat organized crime and transnational crime. Bahrain had hosted a conference on trafficking in persons, and the United Arab Emirates contributed substantially to it. Further Bahrain welcomed the Government of the United Arab Emirates’ efforts for their work on the rights of the child, and stressed that the Human Rights Council should pay tribute to the United Arab Emirates for those commitments.

JUAN ANTONIO FERNANDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) said the United Arab Emirates had demonstrated a clear commitment to the Universal Periodic Review, and great steps had been made since December to implement some of the Working Group's recommendations. The United Arab Emirates was a country of peace, and the Government had committed to moving forward on economic and social development. The United Arab Emirates delegation had had a broad-ranging discussion with the delegates at the Working Group, and Cuba was grateful for the efforts made and which continued to be made. There was significant success in improving the living conditions of foreign workers in the country, and this should continue. Cuba welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ decision to accept the recommendations that were made by Cuba in a spirit of openness and collaboration - it was only by living up to these principles that human rights could be promoted.

MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) said that Pakistan had noted the comprehensive nature of the Action Plan that took into account the views of concerned official agencies as well as civil society. This would hopefully make it easier to implement. Pakistan was also encouraged by the specific steps taken by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, such as ratification of the United Nations protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, its commitment to sign the Convention Against Torture and the Protocol of the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the early ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Pakistan was encouraged to see appropriate responses that sought to ensure improvement of working hours and accommodation facilities, new procedures for labour disputes and the introduction of a comprehensive compulsory insurance policy.

FAYSAL KHABBAZ HAMOUI (Syria) extended a welcome to the United Arab Emirates. Syria had a close look at the Universal Periodic Review on the United Arab Emirates and appreciated the extensive cooperation that country had extended to this mechanism and the Council. The Government had presented an extensive report, which illustrated a will to cooperate. Syria welcomed the effort taken by the United Arab Emirates, in particular the invitation extended to the Special Rapporteurs on racial discrimination, human trafficking, the rights of the child, and organized crime. Syria said the Government had taken measures in a very short period of time, and for this Syria congratulated the United Arab Emirates for their seriousness and hoped that the report would be endorsed.

AMR ROSHDY HASSAN (Egypt) said the United Arab Emirates Universal Periodic Review and the recommendations included therein, as well as the exhaustive report presented by the Representative spoke volumes of the importance that the Government put on the promotion of human rights within the country. Egypt wished to emphasise the climate of religious tolerance characterising the country, a country where all different faiths and practices were largely respected. All citizens could exercise their faith in full freedom, and the United Arab Emirates had ensured that there was a climate of freedom, allowing faiths to have their own education system, and the Government had provided free land for faith-based schools and cemeteries for the members of the different faiths. The United Arab Emirates had carried out sincere efforts for the promotion of human rights and not only for their own citizens, but for all.

ABDULWAHAB ABDULSALAM ATTAR (Saudi Arabia) said that the United Arab Emirates had fully cooperated with the Working Group which said much about its commitment. It had been very constructive within the Universal Periodic Review. On women’s issues, discussion had given rise to social initiatives, such as help for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The United Arab Emirates had ratified the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and prepared bills for the protection of women’s rights, as well as on health and minorities. This caused admiration of the part of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia thanked the United Arab Emirates for its cooperation.

OMAR HILALE (Morocco) expressed thanks to the United Arab Emirates and appreciated the Government’s effort to draw up an action plan to promote and protect human rights. Morocco noted the progress made in the field of human rights; the United Arab Emirates had ensured the reconciliation of development goals and ensuring human rights with them. Morocco thanked the United Arab Emirates for accepting most of the recommendations con tained in the report, which reflected a political will, which had been proven. Women’s issues now had a central role; the General Women’s Union promoted an active role for women in education and social services. Women now had taken up high positions in the civil sector and private sector. Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates had enacted laws to put an end to violence against women, and also had taken measures to combat human trafficking, especially for women and children, which further illustrated its commitment to human rights.

MOHAMED ALSHA N. FARI (Oman) said the United Arab Emirates was to be thanked for the constructive cooperation demonstrated during the Universal Periodic Review process, which was clear in the dialogue which had taken place. With regards to the 36 recommendations adopted, this paid tribute to the United Arab Emirates' commitment to the cause of human rights, in particular the Action Plan and Voluntary Measures. The adoption of the report should contribute to bolstering efforts made by the United Arab Emirates with regards to human rights, and the Council should adopt the report.

NAJEEB AL BADER (Kuwait) said that the cooperation of the United Arab Emirates within the Universal Periodic Review spoke volumes about the United Arab Emirates’ commitment. The implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group proved that the United Arab Emirates was committed to cooperate with the Council. It had accepted recommendations notably regarding fundamental freedoms and the establishment of strategies to promote human rights - all this with the modernization that was underway in the United Arab Emirates. There was also a plan relating to the implementation of the international conventions and there were very clear deadlines in the plan.

IBRAHIM SAIED MOHAMED AL-ADOOFI (Yemen) welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the delegation, as well as the United Arab Emirates efforts and determination to ensure human rights. Yemen was part of the Universal Periodic Review process for the United Arab Emirates and said the discussion focused on matters concerning children and the need to enact a law to ensure the rights of children, which the United Arab Emirates accepted. Yemen commended the United Arab Emirates for the efforts the Government took on trafficking in persons, especially women and children. The Government of the United Arab Emirates had set up a committee for follow-up on the Universal Periodic Review, which was welcomed by Yemen. Yemen hoped that the report would be accepted.

ABDULLA FALAH AL-DOSARI (Qatar) said the United Arab Emirates had cooperated with the Universal Periodic Review process, and had made every effort since the Review to ensure that its commitments and recommendations had been implemented. Qatar welcomed the way in which the Emirates had tackled the vast majority of the recommendations, particularly with regards to contractual employees, the promotion of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights education. The immediate response of the United Arab Emirates was laudable, and laws had been modernised in order to keep up with developments in the area of freedom of opinion, and the country now had a modern Press and Information Law which was soon to be promulgated. This law would bolster the legislative array of the country and was a demonstration of the country's determination to uphold the rule of law and cooperate with the United Nations. The relevant mechanisms should assist the United Arab Emirates where it came to implementing human rights and recommendations. This Review would have wider effects on the whole country and the region as a whole.

ELAINE PETITAT-COTE, of Geneva Infant Feeding Association, said that the United Arab Emirates had a national policy on infant and young child feeding that followed some WHO recommendations. However, the United Arab Emirates had not yet adopted a national law on the marketing of breast milk substitutes. Concerning maternity protection at work, the Association acknowledged some very recent improvements to legislation. However, paid leave in the United Arab Emirates was very short at only eight weeks. It was urgent to strengthen the maternity protection law by extending paid leave, but also by ensuring the right of foreign workers to the same length of leave as nationals was implemented.

MAURICE KATALA, of Action internationale pour la paix et le développement dans la région des Grands Lacs (AIPD), thanked the United Arab Emirates for their statement. Action Internationale took note of the efforts taken to promote respect for human rights in the country, and the commitments the Government entered into as a result of the Universal Periodic Review recommendations. Action Internationale welcomed the countries efforts in the area of trafficking in human beings. Action Internationale was aware of the suffering suffered by Africa in this regard, and said the efforts of the Government in this regard deserved encouragement. Action Internationale also welcomed efforts for the protection of women and the freedom of religion. Those measures, among others illustrated the United Arab Emirates commitment to ensure the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.

AIDA AVELLA, of World Federation of Trade Unions, said the Government of the United Arab Emirates was to be thanked for the work it had done to improve the situation of foreign workers, as well as the living conditions of domestic and migrant workers. The fact that many recommendations had been adopted was welcomed, with a strengthening in the labour laws and the improvement of the conditions for many, including cases of discrimination. These were workers who lived in very difficult conditions. The United Arab Emirates Government should examine the recommendations and ratify the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The United Arab Emirates should reconsider its decision to reject the recommendations made regarding unionising of workers, collective bargaining, and the right to strike and should consider the possibility of ratifying the ILO Conventions on the right to unionise and the right to strike.

ABDEL WAHAB HANI, of Arab Commission for Human Rights, said that the United Arab Emirates would be looking into setting up an independent human rights commission. The Arab Commission would like to know more about the timeframe and the participation of civil society in that commission. The Arab Commission welcomed the cancellation of verdicts regarding press crimes and welcomed the progress made in the area of the Internet. It recommended that particular attention was paid to stateless individuals. It emphasized that it welcomed the fact that civil society was more integrated in the political process.

AFRA AL-BASTI, of Hawa Society for Women, said they had been involved in the preparations leading up to the review process and in the preparation of the report. HAWA Society had reviewed the recommendations which were based on human dignity, victims of trafficking, among others. The creation of an institutional system for victims of domestic violence was a major step towards respecting human rights. HAWA Society for Women was active in promoting women’s rights, and wanted to see a legislative instrument enacted to protect women and children who were victims of violence in the United Arab Emirates. Awareness raising campaigns in society were necessary. HAWA Society welcomed the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on the United Arab Emirates.

ZIAD ABDEL TAWAB, of Cairo Institute for Human Rights, said the Cairo Institute endorsed the pledges made by the Emirates to reform the 1980 law on publications and all other related laws in this country, and called upon the Emirates to lift the Governmental control over press freedoms and to limit the extent of legal restrictions on the right to freedom of expression. The United Arab Emirates should show a genuine political will to adhere to these principles by ratifying in a timely manner the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention against Torture. The United Arab Emirates should ensure the enjoyment by its citizens of all civil and political rights, and had the obligation to adopt all necessary measures that ensured the creation of independent trade unions and political parties. Restrictions on the establishment and the work of all associations should be lifted. There was concern with the current situation of discrimination against women, and laws should be adapted.

CHARLES GRAVES, of Interfaith International, said that it had been following developments in respect to human rights in the region for several years. The economic miracle realised by the United Arab Emirates in the last few decades had allowed that country to attract a large influx of foreign workers and this had permitted the country to achieve certain goals related to economic rights. It had also favoured a certain tolerance among the population and the opening of temples, churches and other places of religious veneration whereby the population could enjoy their religious faiths without hindrance. The United Arab Emirates was one of the rare countries that authorised on its soil the right to construct cemeteries for Christians and cremation sites for the Hindu religion minorities.

MOHAMED HUSSIEN ALHAMADI, of Comité international pour le respect et l'application de la charte africaine des droits de l'homme et des peuples, said they were involved in the process of the Universal Periodic Review and provided remarks in that regard. The Government’s continuing efforts to bolster human rights, to bolster the labour market, and to ensure good labour conditions for workers was welcomed. The Committee intended to be involved in the follow-up process to the Universal Periodic Review, and would be involved in the national strategy for the promotion of human rights in the country. Civil society would continue to work to contribute to human rights in the United Arab Emirates.

RONALD BARNES, of Indian Council of South America, said the United Arab Emirates was commended for enacting laws and Cabinet Orders giving teeth to the law combating human trafficking at every level of national Government. The United Arab Emirates should continue its efforts to advance women in all levels of Government, this indicated the important role of women in United Arab Emirates society, and it should also continue to protect foreign workers and continue to provide human rights training in combating terrorism. The United Arab Emirates was also making positive steps forward by committing itself to acceding to the Convention against Torture and to establish a national human rights commission in line with the Paris Principles to enhance its cooperation with the Human Rights Council. Civil society, journalists and other sectors should be included in the follow-up of the Universal Periodic Review process as it had already done in the preparation, and should continue to explore the framework to ratify other important human rights instruments.

ABOZAR ELMANA, of African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development (ASHAD), thanked the United Arab Emirates and paid tribute to the country’s efforts. It said that it was a voluntary organization concerned with human rights, and had noted the progress of women’s rights in the United Arab Emirates. At the international level, the African American Society noted that the United Arab Emirates was always at the top of the list of countries that extended aid, as had been seen in Kosovo, Gaza and Darfur. They thanked organizations of United Arab Emirates who continued to give so much.

BELL HILAIRE, of Cercle de recherche sur les droits et les devoirs de la personne humaine (CRED), said it was an honour for the organization to take the floor in the Universal Periodic Review process. The United Arab Emirates had underwent rapid modernization. The Cercle de Recherche welcomed the fact that the Government was committed to improving the situation of human rights by sharing its experiences, and seeking the assistance of the international community. They appreciated the efforts made by NGOs to ensure their duties vis a vis the United Arab Emirates, and welcomed the report.

ANWAR MOHAMMAD GARGASH, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, said he wished to thank all participants for their remarks, as well as for the criticism received, as, at the end of the day, the United Arab Emirates was in the process to improve, and that was why it came to the Council. It was essential for all that the Universal Periodic Review process be successful, and that the necessary credibility be built for the Process to be able to honourably and constructively engage in human rights without politicisation. This was a golden opportunity for all nations to be here under the umbrella of the United Nations and to work together without criticism and intelligently accepting commendation when this was due, and creating credibility for the process. Through this credibility, no menu which was acceptable for all would be created, but there would be substantive improvement of human rights throughout all countries. Different groups and parties had different agendas, and these would conflict, but there were many shared values, and this could be built on.

With regards to the United Arab Emirates, the comments had been listened to, and the Emirates had come through the process with a lot of seriousness, and this would be carried through. It had gained from the process in capacity building, and also through the involvement of civil society. This latter had not been perfect, but it was on the right track, and should be encouraged and further fostered. The United Arab Emirates was aware of some issues, was working on others, and disagreed on more, but it had a good record of human rights, recognising that it had many areas where it needed to improve, build capacity, change societal norms and change cultural understanding. The United Arab Emirates was a country that was serious in improving its record, and was working diligently in this regard, and humbly understood that its record was incomplete, and there was a lot of work to do.

The Council then adopted the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of the United Arab Emirates.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report on Israel

AHARON LESHNO YAAR, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, said that Israel took very seriously its participation in the third session of the Universal Periodic Review before the Human Rights Council as an opportunity for genuine introspection, and frank discussion within the Israeli system, despite Israel’s reservations about some aspects of the Council’s work. Israel was pleased to announce that it agreed to adopt the recommendation regarding the investigation of allegation of violence and killings allegedly committed by the police. Israel also agreed to adopt the recommendation regarding the law on polygamy and has recently re-instructed the Qaddi’s of the Sharia Courts to refer every suspected case of polygamy to the police; and Israel had also decided to adopt the recommendation to ensure full protection to the rights of minorities.

Israel had also taken upon itself to promote the following items from the Council’s recommendations: the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; ensuring best protection of human rights and follow-up to the implementation of international instruments; considering strengthening dialogue with the Council and its special procedures and the cooperation with all relevant United Nations special procedures and mechanism; redoubling efforts to increase women’s representation in society; continuing and strengthening its efforts to achieve gender equality in Government and public service at all levels; ensuring prompt and impartial investigations of allegations of ill treatment, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention Against Torture and ensuring that all cases were reviewed by a court in accordance with fair procedure; and granting the right to those who object to serve in the army on conscientious rounds to serve instead with a civilian body independent of the military.

While Israel also appreciated the spirit of the recommendation to protect the children and families of migrants, it did not consider that accession to the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and their Families was required in order to achieve this goal, as under Israeli legislation, the rights of children and family members of migrants were already protected. With respect to the recommendation calling for the evaluation of the possibility of ratifying the second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty, Israel reiterated what was indicated in its report to the Universal Periodic Review, that while it was not a possibility to ratify the Protocol, Israel had applied a de facto moratorium on executions, and the only exception that had ever been implemented since Israel’s establishment was in the case of the Nazi war criminal Adolph Eichmann in 1962. The death penalty had not been applied since. Israel also took note of the recommendation to intensify its efforts to ensure that human rights were respected in the fight against terrorism. This remained an ongoing challenge for Israel as it continued to confront the threat of terrorism.

IBRAHIM KHRAISHI (Palestine) said when the human rights situation in Israel was being reviewed, Palestine presented 12 recommendations based on international human rights law, among other things. None of those recommendations were taken into account by Israel, because it was the occupying power of the Palestinian Arab Territory. With regard to respect to international instruments, Israel led a savage aggressive attack on Gaza, which left thousands of men, women, and children dead, as well as extensive destruction to homes. Israel had been pursuing its blockage of Gaza for some time now. Palestine stressed that a number of appeals had been made to Israel on behalf of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the Special Rapporteur on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, which had been rejected. Many international organizations, including Israeli organizations firmly condemned the practices of the occupying party, condemning their war crimes. Israel must comply with its international humanitarian and human rights commitments. It must hold itself morally and legally responsible, and if it did so it would be keeping with the principles of this Council and the United Nations as a whole. Palestine asked how Israel could be held responsible for its commitments if it did not comply with the Human Rights Council.

JUAN ANTONIO FERNANDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) said the presentation made by the Ambassador of Israel was noted. Last December, Israel was before the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, and the review there was profound and critical, with over 40 delegations speaking, almost all of whom raised concerns about the situation in the Palestinian territories and the Occupied Syrian Golan, particularly regarding human rights violations and the serious situation besetting the Palestinian people. Many recommendations had been put forward, very much in the spirit of cooperation which was the hallmark of the review exercise. Israel claimed to be a democracy, and must, as such, recognise that the situation of democracy was not compatible with being an Occupying Power, humiliating and negating the rights of the Palestinian people in their territories. Just a few days after the Review, Israel unleashed its assault on the Gaza Strip, which had led to a Special Session of the Council. The requests of the international community should be heeded by Israel's Government, and there should be a fair and lasting peace for the peoples of the Middle East, with the Palestinian people in a free and independent Palestinian State in which they could enjoy their rights fully.

FAYSAL KHABBAZ HAMOUI (Syria) said that the Israeli delegation was today at the Human Rights Council while Israel was pursuing its violation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Syrian Golan. During the Universal Periodic Review, Israel was boasting about the human rights situation in its country and continued with its disinformation campaign. Israel was pursuing its attacks in the Gaza Strip, which took place only a few days after Israel’s appearance before the Council. Such behaviour had been typical for Israel for the last 60 years. On a daily basis, Israel was responsible for many deaths of Palestinian women, men and children.

AMR ROSHDY HASSAN (Egypt) said that Israel always accused the Council of targeting it, however, Israel was the one who continued to violate international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Israel occupied the land, which was rightfully the land of the Palestinians and should be returned to the rightful owners one day. On the Syrian Golan, Egypt stressed that no Israeli measure would keep those lands away from its rightful owners. Egypt said that Israel should end its occupation of all Palestinian and Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan and Jerusalem. Egypt stressed that Israel had an obligation to end its occupation of Palestine and allow for the establishment of a free Palestinian State back to the borders of 1967, allowing Palestinians their right to self-determination; Israel should respect the rights of Palestinian refugees and recognize their right to return, providing compensation for their losses and damages; and reversing its illegitimate decision to occupy the Syrian Golan.

Mr. ANSARI (Iran) said the Universal Periodic Review mechanism could not appropriately and sufficiently address this specific situation - the gross and systematic human rights violations committed by Israel during the past six decades required more particular attention by the international community. During past decades, numerous cases of grave and systematic violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms by Israel against the people of Palestine, the Syrian Golan and Lebanon had been well documented. Various cases of human rights violations had characterised the occupation of Palestine for many years, and had featured regularly in reports of international human rights mechanisms. Recent brutal and heinous aggressions against the Gaza Strip were the most recent atrocities perpetuated against the Palestinian people and demonstrated the new vivid examples of such grave and systematic human rights violations by Israel. The international community should take all necessary and concrete measures to put an immediate end to all forms and manifestations of occupation, aggression, racism, and violations of human rights perpetuated by Israel, as a matter of priority and urgency.

IBRAHIM SAIED MOHAMED AL-ADOOFI (Yemen) said that the Human Rights Council was examining the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review report at a point were the blood of thousands of martyrs in Gaza had not yet dried. What could be done here in this Council? It was not astonishing that Israel was continuing to ignore all recommendations as the right to self-determination, Jerusalem as a capital, the right to return for Palestinian refugees and compensation for what had been suffered and pillaged goods. Further, respect for the Fourth Geneva Convention and others had to be immediately implemented. Yemen only mentioned some of the many commitments that had to be honoured.

ANIZAN SITI HAJAR ADNIN (Malaysia) said Malaysia highly appreciated the process of the Universal Periodic Review as a mechanism for delegations to engage in constructive and non-destructive dialogue. Malaysia regretted that Israel did not address some of the main issues. In addition, while Israel only accepted a few of the recommendations, the Palestinian people’s human rights remained in violation of international humanitarian and human rights laws. Israel illegally occupied the Palestinian territories. Malaysia called upon Israel to put an end to the occupation, aggression and violation of human rights of the Palestinian people. Malaysia emphasized that there was a difference between terrorism and resisting occupation. Malaysia stressed that the only way to peace was through a transparent and constructive dialogue between the Palestinian people and Israel.

MARK C. STORELLA (United States) said important measures of a democratic society were the vibrancy and robustness of civil society institutions and organisations, and the willingness of Governments to tolerate and listen to dissent and criticism, both domestic and international, and in this regard the United States noted Israel's energetic civil society and independent media. Israel's commitment to narrowing gaps between different communities in Israel was welcomed, as was its statement to the Working Group that it was making a concerted effort to ensure that Israeli Arabs were represented in policy and decision-making positions. The United States also commended Israel's determination to improve the status of women within all sectors of Israeli society. The United States regretted the politicised nature of many of the recommendations made in the Universal Periodic Review Working Group. Politicisation and selectivity in the Universal Periodic Review process did nothing for the Review's credibility as a constructive human rights mechanism. Peace and democracy were the best guarantors of human rights in the region, and the United States hoped and expected that the Council and the Universal Periodic Review would contribute to efforts by all to advance this goal.

MARIANNE LILLIEBJERG, of Amnesty International, said the organization would like a more direct approach to the questions raised in the meetings of the Working Group. It would like to make the following recommendations to Israel: that it investigate war crimes and other violations of international law, including those perpetrated in the recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip, hold the perpetrators accountable and provide reparation to the victims; and that it lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip and allow the unhindered passage of people and goods, including much needed humanitarian aid and material for the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure destroyed in the recent conflict.

ABDEL WAHAB HANI, of Arab Commission for Human Rights, regretted that the State currently under review, did not provide its answers in good time. This meant that the young Human Rights Council was not in a position to fulfil its mission. They suggested that the Council not adopt the report, despite the debate being rich. The Arab Commission noted with concern that one of the recommendations in the report with regard to the increased blockade in the Gaza Strip was not addressed. The Arab Commission expressed their grave concern about the activities of the Israeli extreme right. They noted that Israel was in complete contradiction of its obligations to international law with regard to the Palestinian Territories, and that the current Government was incapable of peace.

MARYAM SAFARI, of Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims, said the implications of Israeli air strikes and ground invasions had gone beyond the destruction of infrastructure and loss of innocent people's lives. The massive scale of destruction of buildings, houses, schools, clinics and other infrastructure was shocking. The devastating psychological consequences of the Israeli air strikes and ground invasion appeared in the social and cultural fabrics of Palestinians, their identity and their values system. International humanitarian law should be respected, and there should be an independent fact-finding delegation which indicated the actions of the Council to be on the same side as its written duties with regards to Palestine.

OMEH LEILA ENAYATI, of World Federation of United Nations Associations, said that one of the most blatant examples of human rights violations was the continued neglect of the rights of civilians, women and children in particular, during armed conflict. Exactly what the whole world witnessed taking place in the Gaza Strip in other words. During the Israeli military aggression in the Gaza Strip, forty per cent of the dead were women and children under eighteen. In violation of the Geneva Fourth Convention, Israel used white phosphorus bombs even in civilian populated areas. Israel destroyed the water, food, medicine and hygiene facilities and infrastructure during its military onslaught. Schools, hospitals and dozens of other civilian building were destroyed.

JEREMIE SMITH, of Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, commended the engagement of Israel with the Universal Periodic Review process. The Cairo Institute pointed out that all international arbitration bodies and United Nations mechanisms, including the Council, had been unequivocal and united in their conclusions that confiscation and settlement of Occupied Palestinian lands by Israel constituted illegal acts under international law, including violations of fundamental rights and humanitarian standards. The world was united in asserting that there could be no such thing as a “legal” settlement within the 1967 borders of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

DEREK BRETT, of Conscience and Peace Tax International, welcomed the indication in the introductory remarks that Israel was planning the introduction of alternatives to military service, and urged Israel to use international standards in this respect as elaborated in the Human Rights Council's resolution and in the jurisprudence of the Human Rights Committee. This should be firmly under civilian control, should not be punitive in nature, and should accept declarations of conscientious objection without inquiry.

RAMA ENAV, of Women’s International Zionist Organization, said that in recent years, Israel had taken major steps to promote human and women’s rights, for which it should be commended, yet there still were some standing barriers to the full realization of human and civil rights in Israel. Progress was made mainly by advancing implementation of already existing legislation. The organisation called on Israel to remove its reservation to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination of Women, in particular on equality in public representation and on gender equality in family life, or to at least to narrow them down. It urged Israel to finally provide for civil marriage and divorce in line with the Convention, as more than 300,000 Israeli citizens who formally had no religious affiliation could not marry in Israel.

FATIMEH DORRI, of Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, said no one should forget that, on 27 December 2008, the Israeli military launched operation cast lead against the Gaza Strip. The 22-day military campaign left over a thousand Palestinians dead (one third being children), thousands injured and homeless, and a blockade against a population of 1.5 million in an area as small as 366 square kilometres. Genocide, aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity were grave infractions which a number of countries, international organizations and public opinion accused Israel of committing.

MOHAMED ELFATIH, of Society Studies Centre, welcomed the review of the human rights situation in Israel, but at the same time noted with great concern that the Universal Periodic Review was only addressed to the rights of Israelis, while there was a disregard of the violations committed against the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, where Israel had exonerated itself from the violations that were taking place on a 24-hour basis. The Palestinian people were denied their right to self-determination, and their land was occupied, with undeniable cruelty against civilians. Many women, elderly and children had been killed, and over 1,300 Palestinians had been killed and many more wounded during the recent campaign. Israel should bear responsibility for its war crimes in the occupied territories.

AHMED MOHAMED TAHIR HAMED, of African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development (ASHAD), said that the Society had followed the tragedy of the Palestinian people and the appalling occupation by Palestine of Israel with alarm, particularly with regard to the events in January. The Israeli war machine had killed millions, also women, children and babies. The Society called on the Council to ensure the protection of the Palestinian people and appealed to Israel to put an end to the ethnic cleansing in which it was engaged.

AHARON LESHNO YAAR, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in his concluding remarks, thanked the skilful and productive manner in which the President of the Council conducted the review, and thanked the troika members for their helpful and constructive support, as well as the comments made by non-governmental organizations. The statements made by countries from their region were noted. Those States had an unimpeachable record on human rights, and as such those comments were illuminating. Israel thanked them for their valuable contribution.

Despite the concerns raised, Israel considered the Universal Periodic Review an important part of the Council’s work. It allowed States to take a self-critical look at their own human rights records. While many of the decisions were challenging, Israel said they would serve the Israeli people. Mr. Yaar said it would use this opportunity to examine and review a wide range of measures taken with regard to the human rights situation in the country. In response to the President’s remarks and on institution building, Mr. Yaar said those recommendations enjoyed full support by the Government, and on others Israel would continue to consult with civil society and other organizations.

Mr. Yaar stressed that the creation of the modern State of Israel and the belief of Zionism was based on the people’s linkage to land and history. The country was born out of etches of the Holocaust and war. Israel continued to struggle against the plague of terrorists; Israel was in a region where many called for their destruction and slaughter. Israel was proud to grow into a strong and flourished society; a State based on freedom, justice, and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel, irrespective of religion or sex. Mr. Yaar noted that the Government was well aware that their human rights record was not perfect; their shared struggle ensured shared opportunity. Furthermore, Mr. Yaar said that Israel was aware that the protection of human rights was an unending challenge.


For use of the information media; not an official record

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