Secretary-General, Concerned by Failing Health of Palestinian Detainees on Hunger

 

Strike, Appeals for Prompt Release amid Concerns over Possible Force-Feeding

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is concerned about reports regarding the deteriorating health of Palestinian administrative detainees who have been on hunger strike for over a month.  He reiterates his long-standing position that administrative detainees should be charged or released without delay.

The United Nations on the ground is closely following the overall situation of Palestinian detainees.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recently reiterated to the Government of Israel the Secretary-General’s concerns on these issues.  She also expressed concerns regarding a legislative amendment before the Israeli Knesset that, if passed, would permit force-feeding and medical treatment of prisoners on hunger strike against their will under certain conditions, in contravention of international standards.

The Secretary-General has taken note of the related concerns raised recently by various human rights organizations and has responded, reiterating the United Nations well-known positions.

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For information media • not an official record