UN experts denounce Israel’s use of torture against Palestinian prisoners

In a statement on Monday, August 5, ten UN experts, who are mandated by the Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, warned against “Israel’s escalation of torture” against Palestinian prisoners. The latter denounce the situation of“absolute impunity” as well as “the silence of States (…) after the emergence of testimonies and reports on allegations of ill-treatment and torture”and call “to put pressure on Israel” with a view to implementing a system of access, monitoring and protection of Palestinian detainees.

Experts claim to have received “supported information” reporting numerous cases of torture, sexual assault and rape, “in atrocious inhuman conditions”. “Countless testimonies from men and women describe detainees locked in cages, tied to beds, blindfolded and wearing diapers, stripped naked, deprived of adequate health care, food, water and sleep.” and subjected to “electrocutions, including on the genitals, blackmail and cigarette burns”.

The commission of experts, all of whom are volunteers and independent, is composed of four special rapporteurs, an independent expert and five members of the Human Rights Council Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls. According to a report by the Office of the High Commissioner published on 31 July, at least 53 prisoners from Gaza and the West Bank died in Israeli custody between 7 October and 30 June.