38/15 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Israel

GE.18-06336(E)



Human Rights Council Thirty-eighth session

18 June–6 July 2018

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Israel

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/38/15

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-ninth session from 15 to 26

January 2018. The review of Israel was held at the 13th meeting, on 23 January 2018. The

delegation of Israel was headed by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Israel

to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Aviva Raz

Shechter, and the Director General of the Ministry of Justice, Emi Palmor. At its 18th

meeting, held on 25 January 2018, the Working Group adopted the report on Israel.

2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Israel: Mongolia, Rwanda and the United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Israel:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/29/ISR/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/29/ISR/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/29/ISR/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Czechia, Germany,

Liechtenstein, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

was transmitted to Israel through the troika. These questions are available on the website of

the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. In her opening remarks, the Ambassador outlined the commitment of Israel to

human rights, which were part of the core values of Israel, and were enshrined in the

country’s Declaration of Independence and protected under its Basic Laws. She noted the

country’s ongoing dialogue with civil society in the framework of several joint projects.

She also noted the ratification of the core human rights conventions and other human rights

instruments.

6. The Ambassador criticized the ongoing discrimination against Israel in the Human

Rights Council, highlighting the “infamous item 7” and the disproportionate number of

biased and political resolutions adopted against Israel. Nonetheless, she noted that Israel

continued to engage with the universal periodic review and other human rights mechanisms

in the hopes of reform.

7. The Ambassador noted efforts to host rapporteurs on an annual basis, underlining

the recent visit of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and

consequences.

8. Citing the many challenges Israel faced, including terrorism, regional instability and

incitement, the Ambassador underscored the efforts of Israel to defend its citizens and

uphold their fundamental human rights. She stressed the commitment of Israel to the

reconstruction of Gaza, despite the Hamas regime’s ongoing terrorist activities, including

holding Israeli citizens and the remains of two soldiers. She also noted the challenges Israel

faced with the global migration crisis, as well as its humanitarian efforts worldwide, and the

ongoing treatment of wounded Syrians.

9. The Director General of the Ministry of Justice presented Israel’s recent major

developments in the field of human rights. She elaborated on some of the functions offered

by the Ministry, including the provision of free legal representation in criminal proceedings

by the Public Defender’s Office, and the provision of free legal aid by the Legal Aid

Administration in civil and administrative proceedings, noting that the provision of free

legal aid had been expanded to include victims of sexual offences. She also touched upon

the enhancement of access to justice through community courts. Furthermore, she

addressed a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision that required the State to provide

larger prison cells for inmates.

10. The Director General highlighted various human rights supervisory mechanisms and

institutions in the Ministry of Justice designed to oversee the handling of complaints or

reports of torture, ill-treatment or disproportionate use of force, particularly with regard to

the role played by the Office of the Inspector for Complaints against Israel Security Agency

Interrogators, which had been transferred to the Ministry of Justice in 2014; the recent

installation of cameras in all Israel Security Agency interrogation rooms, which broadcast

interrogations in real time to Ministry of Justice supervisors; plans for the implementation

of a similar, real-time broadcasting system for police investigations; and the Department for

Investigation of Police Officers, which addressed similar complaints regarding police

misconduct. She also described the review mechanisms of the Israel Defence Forces, which

ensured compliance with the rule of law.

11. The Director General noted the interministerial committees that she headed,

including the committee for eradicating racism against persons of Ethiopian origin, the

committee for examining criminalization of the use of prostitution services and the

committee to counter the negative ramifications of polygamy.

12. Elaborating on the strong commitment of Israel to upholding human rights, the

Director General highlighted the advancement of women’s rights, noting the appointment

of the first female qadi in a Muslim religious court. She also noted the advancement of

freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, including the recent cancellation of the

Press Ordinance, which paved the way for allowing any person the right to print, publish or

distribute a newspaper. Additionally, with reference to the right to work, she described new

programmes designed to improve the integration of minorities in the workforce, and

elaborated on how those programmes had led the way for increased minority representation

at the Ministry of Justice.

13. The Director General described the active and vibrant role of non-governmental

organizations (NGOs) in Israel, and their constructive discourse with the Government, as

well as the Attorney General’s strong support for such dialogue, which had been conveyed

in a letter circulated to all legal advisers in the various government ministries — while

stressing the need to verify information received from certain NGOs. She also noted a joint

project with NGOs that was focused on enhancing NGO participation in the reporting

process for the United Nations human rights committees, and described the six round-table

discussions held between the Government, civil society and academics prior to the current

universal periodic review session.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

14. During the interactive dialogue, 78 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

15. Jordan expressed concern at violations of the rights of the Palestinian people and

attempts to prejudice the identity of occupied Jerusalem.

16. Libya highlighted the lack of cooperation with the international commission of

inquiry on the 2014 Gaza conflict.

17. Madagascar welcomed legal measures to address the gender wage gap but was

concerned by the excessive use of force by the security forces.

18. Malaysia indicated that the Palestinians would only enjoy their fundamental

freedoms with the end of the illegal occupation of the occupied territories.

19. Maldives noted reforms of the juvenile justice system but observed that they had not

been implemented equally in regard to Palestinian children.

20. Mexico welcomed measures to eliminate gender-based violence and to promote the

rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

21. Montenegro encouraged Israel to remain committed to pursuing a disability rights

agenda.

22. Mozambique commended the ratification of international instruments and the

submission of reports to various treaty bodies.

23. Myanmar was encouraged by the commitment of Israel to protecting children’s

rights through various measures.

24. Namibia urged Israel to reconsider the proposed bill providing for the application of

the death penalty to persons convicted of terrorism.

25. Nepal encouraged Israel to continue its practice of fighting trafficking in persons by

opening up regular channels of migration.

26. The Netherlands commended Israel for its vibrant democracy but was concerned

about increasing pressure on independent human rights organizations.

27. Norway commended the progressive stance of Israel on lesbian, gay, bisexual and

transgender rights but was deeply concerned about the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian

conflict.

28. Paraguay commended Israel for developments in its national legislation regarding

violence against women.

29. Poland welcomed developments in the context of gender equality, particularly

legislative amendments and policy measures.

30. Portugal welcomed the establishment of the Ministerial Committee on Social

Equality to promote gender equality.

31. The State of Palestine noted that Israel had not implemented recommendations set

forth by United Nations bodies for the last 50 years.

32. The Republic of Korea encouraged Israel to further strengthen its commitment to

ensure the universality of human rights.

33. Romania welcomed the dialogue with civil society organizations, and the

introduction of the “round tables” series project.

34. The Coordinator of the National Anti-Racism Unit, Aweke Kobi Zena, relayed the

events that had led up to the Unit’s establishment in 2016.

35. Several incidents of police violence against Israelis of Ethiopian descent had given

rise to large-scale civil demonstrations in 2015. In the wake of those protests, the

Government had appointed an interministerial team to address the matter, and in its

comprehensive report, the team had identified racist government practices and proposed 53

recommendations. The Government had adopted those recommendations, and had

established the Unit, charging it with implementing the recommendations and eliminating

all forms of racism in Israeli society.

36. The Coordinator outlined the Unit’s various initiatives, which included developing a

database to document complaints of racism, establishing a public commission to support the

Unit, comprised of representatives of civil society and different segments of Israeli society,

advancing the formulation by the State Attorney’s Office of guidelines for identifying

incidents of racial profiling, appointing supervisors to monitor and prevent racism in all

government ministries, and establishing guidelines to prevent stereotypes in government

publications.

37. The Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, Mariam

Kabaha, stressed the importance of the labour market as a vehicle for social change. She

gave an outline of the domestic laws outlawing employment discrimination, and of the

Commission’s authority to file lawsuits on behalf of employees discriminated against, to

submit amicus briefs to the courts on employment issues, and to sponsor public service

campaigns to raise awareness.

38. Discussing recent achievements in court, and questions raised by Madagascar,

Poland, France and Germany, the Commissioner noted a successful lawsuit regarding

gender discrimination, and the filing of an amicus brief in connection with a racial

discrimination case. She outlined the Commission’s various initiatives, including the

creation of a “diversity index” to identify wage gaps among the various groups in Israeli

society in order to guide related government policies, in addressing those discrepancies; the

Equal Pay: Equalizing Wages in Israel’s Workforce campaign, and the development of a

gender wage gap calculator; joint initiatives with the Government Companies Authority to

advance equal opportunity and diversity in government companies, and plans to launch

similar programmes for other sectors; and Equal Employment Opportunities Commission

campaigns for the integration of underrepresented populations in the labour market.

39. The Russian Federation highlighted violations of international and human rights law

in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the construction of illegal settlements.

40. Rwanda encouraged Israel to enhance efforts to address patriarchal attitudes and

gender stereotypes through the strengthened implementation of relevant laws and policies.

41. Sierra Leone encouraged Israel to strengthen efforts to promote equal treatment for

all those living in its territories.

42. Singapore commended the achievements of Israel in promoting the rights and

welfare of persons with disabilities.

43. Slovakia noted the efforts by Israel to fight racial discrimination, including the

launching of a public education campaign.

44. Slovenia was concerned about reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian minors over the

age of 12 in Israeli prisons and detention.

45. South Africa stated that Israel was the only State in the world that could be called an

apartheid state. It was deeply concerned at the denial of the right of self-determination of

the Palestinian people and expressed the view that the issue of East Jerusalem and the two-

State solution were fundamental to the exercise of that right.

46. Israel made a point of order. It requested that delegates adhere to appropriate

language of the United Nations and focus on human rights rather than politicizing the

issues.

47. The President of the Human Rights Council recalled that the universal periodic

review was a mechanism aimed at discussing the human rights situation of all States

Members of the United Nations in a spirit of cooperation. In that context, it was appropriate

for Member States to voice their opinions in their statements. Likewise, the State under

review was entitled to express its views. He appealed to all speakers to refrain from

politicizing human rights matters.

48. Spain welcomed efforts by Israel in the area of persons with disabilities.

49. Qatar stated that Israel had not seriously responded to the majority of the universal

periodic review recommendations made in previous cycles.

50. Sweden acknowledged the continued work of Israel to fulfil its human rights

obligations.

51. Switzerland remained concerned about reports of violations of human rights and

international humanitarian law, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

52. The Syrian Arab Republic reiterated its demands that Israel as an occupying power:

end immediately the Israeli occupation of Arab occupied territories and end immediately

the colonial settlements and the policies and actions related to it, as they are considered

internationally prohibited practices violating the rights of the Palestinian people and the

rights of the Syrian people of the occupied Syrian Golan; allow immediate unconditioned

and unhindered access to the committee to investigate Israeli practices in the Arab occupied

territories and other investigative committees and fact-finding missions established by this

Council; put an end to the systematic and grave violations of human rights of the Syrians

and Palestinian people under occupation, and the provisions of international public law,

international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including detention and

torture of, among others, the prisoners and detainees, the last being the Palestinian girl child

Ahd Altamimi; and the dean of Syrian captors Sadqi al-Maqt and release them

immediately, and suspend the field executions, the last one being executing the Palestinian

Ibrahim Abu Thuraya who was disabled and on his wheelchair; stop supporting the terrorist

groups, and to stop disseminating false humanitarian allegations as a pretext for this

support, in violation of the related Security Council resolutions. Those violations were

documented by the latest United Nations Disengagement Observer Force report.

53. Thailand welcomed the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to

Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print

Disabled, to further promote the rights of persons with disabilities.

54. Timor-Leste remained concerned about the human rights situation but appreciated

the engagement with civil society regarding reporting to treaty bodies and the universal

periodic review.

55. Togo welcomed measures taken to implement recommendations of the previous

review cycles, and to promote the rights of women and minorities.

56. Turkey expressed concern over Israeli practices violating Palestinians’ rights,

including the use of excessive force, house demolitions and land confiscation.

57. Ukraine encouraged Israel to take further steps to implement the recommendations

from the previous review cycle.

58. The United Arab Emirates noted that the report of the Occupying Authority did not

mention the rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories and that those rights

had been violated for 70 years despite United Nations resolutions. It made a

recommendation to the occupying authority relating to the right to self-determination of the

Palestinian people.

59. Israel made a point of order. It stated that the speaker had used language that was not

agreed United Nations language and inappropriate in a human rights forum.

60. The President called on all delegations to use language that was appropriate to the

forum, avoid disrespectful language and uphold United Nations standards when referring to

countries and territories.

61. The United Arab Emirates responded that the right of self-determination is

recognized in International Law.

62. The United Kingdom noted steps taken to eradicate forced labour and human

trafficking. It remained concerned about children in detention.

63. The United States of America inquired about measures to continue to ensure that all

components of society had an effective voice in civil affairs, to minimize administrative

detention orders and guarantee that all detainees could effectively challenge in court the

legal basis of detention, and to provide improved access to education, land, housing, health

care and employment to Arab Israelis and Bedouins.

64. Uruguay highlighted the commitment of Israel to gender equality and encouraged

continuing efforts to guarantee the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

persons.

65. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regretted Israel’s disregard for universal

periodic review recommendations.

66. Albania applauded Israel for its dedication to gender-based equality and asked about

its experience in combating human trafficking.

67. Algeria deplored the refusal of Israel to recognize the applicability of its

international obligations with respect to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

68. Angola encouraged Israel to continue to promote the economic, social and cultural

rights of all peoples without discrimination.

69. Argentina welcomed the delegation.

70. Australia encouraged Israel to implement fully the Equal Rights of Persons with

Disabilities Bill.

71. Austria underscored that any detention of children must be a measure of last resort

and for the shortest period of time.

72. Bahrain was concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in the

occupied territories and strongly condemned settlement expansion.

73. Belgium expressed concern about lack of progress on issues such as the increase of

restrictions on civil society organizations.

74. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed the delegation.

75. Botswana highlighted lack of cooperation by Israel with several United Nations

human rights mechanisms.

76. Brazil encouraged expanded cooperation with special procedures by extending a

standing invitation.

77. Bulgaria highlighted Israel’s engagement with the Human Rights Council. It noted

Israel’s resolve to address gender-based violence.

78. Canada recognized Israel’s security challenges. It welcomed measures adopted to

promote the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

79. The Commissioner for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Avremi Torem,

addressed remarks made by the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Slovakia and noted that

the Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities was an independent body

within the Ministry of Justice, established in the year 2000 and responsible for enhancing

equality, fighting discrimination and eliminating accessibility barriers.

80. The Commissioner noted Israel’s accessibility legislation, which applied to both

private and public buildings and services, and highlighted new regulations on accessibility

to education.

81. The Commissioner described the close work with the Ministry of Education on its

policies regarding inclusive education. Similarly, the Commission worked with the

Ministry of Health, conducting on-site visits to monitor the situation of persons with

disabilities in psychiatric hospitals and housing facilities. The Commissioner also noted a

change in the policy regarding the use of restraints in psychiatric hospitals.

82. In response to questions raised by Montenegro and the Republic of Korea, the

Commissioner stated that in 2016, the Knesset had amended the Equal Rights Law,

mandating an appropriate representation of 5 per cent of persons with disabilities in the

workplace. The Commission — which held enforcement powers — filed civil and criminal

suits, aided people in realizing their rights, and worked to eliminate barriers to employment

and raise public awareness.

83. The National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Dina Dominitz, described her role

coordinating both between government agencies, and between those agencies and NGOs, to

combat trafficking in persons.

84. Addressing a remark made by Albania about combating trafficking in persons, the

Coordinator said that Israel had made outstanding achievements in that field in recent years,

owing to the Government’s determined and consistent actions in the fields of prevention,

protection and prosecution, as well as to constant efforts to forge new partnerships with the

business sector, the tourism industry, religious leaders and civil society. She outlined

several groundbreaking judicial decisions underscoring the Government’s commitment to

eradicating trafficking in persons.

85. Highlighting efforts to combat trafficking in persons and rehabilitate the victims,

and with reference to questions and remarks raised by Nepal, Paraguay and the United

Kingdom, the Coordinator described various initiatives, including State-funded shelters and

day centres for victims of trafficking in persons, the granting of work visas to victims, and

the provision of medical, psychiatric and psychological care, as well as of State-funded

legal aid. She also described the establishment of a special forfeiture fund dedicated to

combating trafficking, the training of government officials, and the entry into bilateral

agreements regarding foreign workers to eliminate exorbitant and illegal brokerage fees and

protect workers when in Israel.

86. The Director of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women, Eva

Madjiboj, responding to questions and remarks raised by Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand and

Angola, relayed developments in combating sexual harassment, including: the

criminalization as a sexual harassment offence of the publication against one’s will of

media content, including photographs, videos and recordings, focusing on a person’s

sexuality; the establishment of a committee to develop a national programme to eradicate

sexual harassment; and the campaign to promote tolerance towards the lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and intersex community.

87. The Director reviewed the Authority’s various initiatives, which included requiring

gender-mainstreamed budgeting in all government ministries, examining legislative bills

from a gender perspective, and a three-year training programme for female advisers on

gender equality in local authorities, and in particular in Arab localities. Furthermore, the

Authority conducted seminars for school advisers and promoted special programmes for the

integration of girls in technological and mathematical studies.

88. Referring to questions raised by Poland and Romania, the Director stated that the

Authority was formulating a national programme for combating violence against women,

and was advancing the recognition of economic violence as an act of domestic violence,

and as a civil wrong.

89. Chile welcomed advances on women’s rights and encouraged Israel to withdraw its

reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against

Women.

90. China called on the international community to continue to support a two-State

approach and to support the relaunching of negotiations with a view to a lasting and just

resolution.

91. Costa Rica acknowledged progress on gender equality. It was concerned about

discrimination and restrictions suffered by the Palestinians.

92. Cuba recalled previous recommendations that it had made and that had not been

accepted by Israel on issues including the Gaza blockade and illegal settlements.

93. Czechia praised the conducive living environment for some minority groups, such as

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

94. Denmark commended Israel on its vibrant democratic debate, but was concerned

with the shrinking space for human rights defenders.

95. Ecuador noted that despite progress on certain topics, such as the ratification of the

Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind,

Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled, worrying problems persisted.

96. Egypt expressed deep concern over racist practices against non-Jewish citizens,

especially Arabs and those of African descent.

97. Finland encouraged further steps in efforts by Israel to improve its policy and

institutional framework for the elimination of discrimination against women.

98. France welcomed the readiness of Israel to pursue a dialogue through the universal

periodic review and hoped that it would cooperate with all human rights mechanisms.

99. Georgia hoped that Israel would further mainstream the rights of persons with

disabilities and encouraged the Government to enhance efforts to empower women.

100. Germany commended progress on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

rights while remaining concerned about the human rights situation, especially in the

occupied Palestinian territories.

101. Ghana lauded progress since the previous review cycle in promoting women’s

rights, and welcomed new legislation to narrow gender-based wage discrepancies.

102. Greece hailed the introduction of round tables on core human rights issues and

welcomed programmes to benefit minorities.

103. Honduras welcomed measures taken to implement the recommendations received in

the previous review.

104. Iceland echoed the observations of the International Court of Justice that Israel was

bound to human rights obligations with respect to the local population.

105. India appreciated efforts to empower minorities and noted the progress on the rights

of children in the areas of education and health.

106. Indonesia stated that Israel should end practices contrary to its international

obligations and improve the lives of the population in East Jerusalem.

107. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted that the situation in the Occupied Palestinian

Territory continued to deteriorate due to a wide range of crimes committed including the

destruction of civilian property in the Gaza Strip, punitive home demolitions, and the

systematic expansion of illegal settlements. It stated that inaction should not be allowed

regarding the systematic human rights violations by the Israeli regime that jeopardizes

credibility of human rights apparatus including the universal periodic review mechanism.

108. Israel made a point of order. It objected to the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran

with its dismal human rights record pretended to give Israel lessons on human rights. It

requested that the Islamic Republic of Iran respect the rules governing the discussion

including making proper reference to the State under review.

109. The Islamic Republic of Iran replied that this was the review of the Israeli regime

and that its representatives should not refer to my country.

110. The President reiterated his previous ruling calling on all speakers to respect each

other’s views and uphold United Nations terminology.

111. Iraq noted that since its occupation of the Arab territories, Israel continued to violate

the rights of the Palestinian people.

112. Ireland was concerned about the extensive use by Israel of administrative detention

without formal charge and the expansion of illegal settlements.

113. Italy welcomed measures adopted to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

rights, as well as the promotion of disability rights.

114. Japan welcomed ratification of human rights treaties and efforts to protect women’s

rights. It deplored the continuation of settlement activities.

115. Latvia acknowledged measures taken by Israel to protect human rights.

116. In her final intervention, the Director General responded to the following issues:

reforms introduced by an interministerial team regarding the juvenile justice system in the

West Bank, including establishing a Juvenile Military Court; training for military youth

judges; raising the age of majority to 18; introducing a special statute of limitation for

minors; improving the notification to the minor and his or her family of his or her rights;

authorizing the military courts to appoint a defence attorney to represent a minor if his or

her benefit so requires; further separation between minors and adults throughout the

criminal process; aspects of freedom of expression in Israel and human rights defenders,

and the lack of restrictions on organizations to promote and uphold human rights; the recent

Disclosure Requirement Law, underlining its objective to enhance transparency while

maintaining the ability of NGOs to raise funds; recent government resolutions providing

substantial budgets to strengthen Arab and Bedouin communities and enable their economic

integration; the prosecution of ideologically motivated offences in the West Bank; and the

commitment of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat all forms of violence.

117. In her closing remarks, the Ambassador stressed the absolute freedom of worship

afforded to all religions, in particular in Jerusalem, and in all of Israel. She also clarified

that there was no land blockade on the Gaza Strip, and that all civilian goods were allowed

into that area. At sea, a naval blockade remained in effect, the legality of which had been

upheld by the special Panel of Inquiry of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

118. The following recommendations will be examined by Israel, which will provide

responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-eighth session of the Human Rights

Council.

118.1 Become a party to the International Convention on the Protection

of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

(Albania);

118.2 Accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Plurinational

State of Bolivia);

118.3 Take steps to ratify the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families (Ghana);

118.4 Ratify and accede to the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Sierra Leone);

118.5 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Timor-Leste)

(Honduras);

118.6 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Portugal) (Ukraine) (Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela) (France) (Honduras);

118.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights (France);

118.8 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Spain) (France) (Portugal) (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

118.9 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Montenegro);

118.10 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Ghana);

118.11 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Poland)

(Denmark) (Madagascar) (France) (Portugal) (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

118.12 Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

and establish the national preventive mechanism accordingly (Czechia);

118.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and

subsequently establish a national preventive mechanism (Ukraine);

118.14 Accede to the optional protocols to the human rights conventions

to which Israel was a party (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

118.15 Ratify the seven optional protocols to the conventions to which is a

party (Honduras);

118.16 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

(Timor-Leste) (Montenegro) (France) (Honduras);

118.17 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and

fully align its legislation with all obligations under the Rome Statute (Latvia);

118.18 Consider acceding to Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva

Conventions of 12 August 1949 (Uruguay);

118.19 Remove reservations to article 16 of the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women relating to equality

in all matters relating to marriage and family relations (Ghana);

118.20 Withdraw its reservations to articles 16 and 7 (b) of the

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

(Honduras);

118.21 Remove the reservations to articles 7 (b) and 16 of the Convention

on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Latvia);

118.22 Comply with its international obligations, especially the Fourth

Geneva Convention, and abide by all United Nations human rights resolutions

(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

118.23 Consider issuing a standing invitation to the special procedures of

the Human Rights Council (Timor-Leste);

118.24 Consider issuing a standing invitation to the special procedures of

the Human Rights Council (Albania);

118.25 Extend a standing invitation to the special procedures of the

Human Rights Council (Plurinational State of Bolivia) (Honduras);

118.26 Issue a standing invitation to the thematic special procedures of

the United Nations Human Rights Council. Allow visits that representatives of

the special procedures of the Human Rights Council requested without delay

(Czechia);

118.27 Issue a standing invitation to the special procedures of the Human

Rights Council (Portugal);

118.28 Respond positively to pending visit requests by the special

procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council and consider the

extension of a standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders

(Latvia);

118.29 Invite the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights

defenders for a visit as soon as possible and without preconditions

(Switzerland);

118.30 Renew its commitment to cooperation with human rights

mechanisms through granting of access to mandate holders and human rights

defenders (Botswana);

118.31 Strengthen its constructive engagement with the universal

periodic review mechanism and take concrete effort to implement its accepted

universal periodic review recommendations (Myanmar);

118.32 Ensure the international principles of human rights by including

them in the Basic Law and legislation (Republic of Korea);

118.33 Ensure that Israel’s domestic policies are fully compatible with its

international commitments under relevant treaties (Ukraine);

118.34 Increase efforts to ensure implementation of the recommendations

of the human rights treaty bodies on equality and non-discrimination

(Bulgaria);

118.35 Engage in a dialogue for peace and respect for all internationally

recognized human rights (Angola);

118.36 Consider establishing a national human rights institution that is in

line with the Paris Principles (Thailand);

118.37 Establish a national human rights institution in compliance with

the Paris Principles (Togo) (Uruguay) (Honduras);

118.38 Establish an independent national human rights institution in

compliance with the Paris Principles (Poland);

118.39 Establish a national human rights institution in full compliance

with the Paris Principles (Nepal);

118.40 Establish a national human rights institution in line with the Paris

Principles (Ukraine);

118.41 Establish an independent national human rights institution which

is in line with the Paris Principles (Sierra Leone);

118.42 Establish a national human rights institution which is in

compliance with the Paris Principles (Republic of Korea);

118.43 Establish an independent national institution in full compliance

with the Paris Principles (Timor-Leste);

118.44 Establish a national human rights institution with an “A” status in

line with the Paris Principles (Portugal);

118.45 Carry out efforts to comply with the Paris Principles (Paraguay);

118.46 Enhance efforts to establish an independent national human

rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Rwanda);

118.47 Ensure equal treatment for all persons within its territory and

subject to its jurisdiction, regardless of their national or ethnic origin

(Romania);

118.48 Ensure the equal rights of all citizens in Israel regardless of origin

or religion, grant them equal access to work, education and other social and

economic rights, as well as participation in the political processes (Russian

Federation);

118.49 Continue efforts to promote equal rights and access to justice,

education, energy and health services for all people in Israel (Angola);

118.50 Assess taking the necessary measures to guarantee equal

treatment to all persons subject to its jurisdiction (Argentina);

118.51 Take measures to ensure an equal and non-discriminatory

institutional approach toward all communities in Israel, particularly Israeli-

Arabs and African asylum seekers (Canada);

118.52 Combat all forms of discrimination against women, children and

minorities, also improving social and economic conditions of the minorities

(Italy);

118.53 Revise legislation that protects from direct and indirect

discrimination of national and religious minorities (Russian Federation);

118.54 Incorporate explicitly in its legislation the principle of equality

and non-discrimination (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

118.55 Explicitly incorporate the principle of equality and non-

discrimination into its basic laws, in order to ensure equal treatment for all

persons within its territory, especially by not introducing any legislation which

might fuel ethnic or religious discrimination (Brazil);

118.56 Incorporate explicitly the principle of equality and non-

discrimination into its Basic Law (Honduras);

118.57 Consider incorporating explicitly the principles of equality,

gender equality, and non-discrimination in its Basic Laws for all citizens

(Thailand);

118.58 Step up efforts to fight inequality and discrimination between

Jewish and Arab citizens (Portugal);

118.59 Abolish all measures, laws and other types of rules that validate

racial discrimination and racism (Cuba);

118.60 Take immediate measures to end racist practices and policies that

discriminate on the basis of colour, religion or belief (Egypt);

118.61 End all measures aimed at “Judaization” of the city of Jerusalem

and changes to its political and demographic nature (Qatar);

118.62 Work for the better integration of new Jewish immigrants from

other countries into Israeli society and to continue with their efforts to counter

racial discrimination (India);

118.63 Intensify its efforts to address racism against Africans in Israel

(South Africa);

118.64 Continue to strengthen measures to combat violence and

discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons

(Chile);

118.65 Continue its efforts to safeguard lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex rights, following notable legislative and

administrative developments (Greece);

118.66 Set up robust legislative measures aiming to prevent and punish

excessive use of force, in line with international standards (Madagascar);

118.67 Ensure the State security forces make proportional use of force in

all circumstances, including, among others, by ensuring that the rules of

engagement or regulations on opening fire are fully consistent with

international human rights law; and ensure that all alleged perpetrators of

disproportionate use of force are brought to justice (Spain);

118.68 Keep on implementing the moratorium on capital punishment

(Italy);

118.69 Consider abolishing the death penalty (Chile) (Mozambique);

118.70 Abolish capital punishment in all circumstances (Mexico);

118.71 Fully respect human rights in the fight against terrorism, and

refrain from introducing a bill that would allow the application of a death

penalty (Iceland);

118.72 Refrain from the practice of arbitrary detentions and prevent

cases of the use of torture in places of deprivation of liberty (Russian

Federation);

118.73 End practices of collective punishment such as the demolition of

homes, revocation of residency permits in East Jerusalem, and the closure of

entire areas (Germany);

118.74 Fully translate the Convention against Torture into national

legislation and implement the Committee’s recommendations (Austria);

118.75 Ensure full respect for international human rights obligations, in

particular those specified in article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, towards all prisoners, and that the United Nations Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment definition of torture be incorporated into Israeli legislation

(Ireland);

118.76 Ensure that the bill currently being drafted to criminalize torture

is in full conformity with article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Togo);

118.77 Make progress in domesticating the provisions of the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment, including issues such as the exclusion of the necessity exception as

a possible justification for torture; and ending situations of administrative

detention (Spain);

118.78 Review relevant legislation and policy to ensure that all cases of

administrative detention are in conformity with human rights law and

standards (Czechia);

118.79 Ensure that administrative detention is in conformity with Israel’s

international commitments; that it remains an exceptional measure of limited

duration; and that it is conducted in respect for fundamental safeguards

(France);

118.80 Limit the application of administrative detention to clearly

defined and exceptional cases, in accordance with international law; and

refrain completely from holding minors in administrative detention

(Germany);

118.81 Ensure that an excessive use of administrative detention is

avoided (Italy);

118.82 Stop the practice of arbitrary administrative detention, release

detainees and captives in Israeli prisons, especially children and women

(Qatar);

118.83 Ensure that the use of administrative detention is limited to

temporary and exceptional cases, and that international law, including human

rights law, is fully respected, in particular regarding children held in

administrative detention (Sweden);

118.84 Ensure that the detention of civilians, especially children, is

carried out in accordance with international law and standards and without

discrimination, including by ensuring the right to prompt and meaningful

access to a lawyer prior to and during interrogations (Finland);

118.85 In accordance with the principle of accountability, Israeli

authorities must ensure prompt, thorough, independent and impartial

investigations into allegations of intentional use of lethal or excessive force

(Malaysia);

118.86 Guarantee the freedom and access to the religious sites (Jordan);

118.87 Ensure equal rights for all citizens, in full compliance with the

principle of citizenship and respect for freedom of religion and belief for all

(Egypt);

118.88 Ensure free access to religious sites and promote freedom of

worship without prejudice to any religion (Mexico);

118.89 End violations and attacks on places of worship and holy sites

(Iraq);

118.90 Strengthen efforts to guarantee freedom of religion or belief and

adopt measures to prevent and combat attacks towards holy sites and symbols

(Italy);

118.91 Guarantee the protection of the rights and the work of human

rights defenders (Paraguay);

118.92 Take the necessary measures to guarantee the work of

international human rights defenders (Argentina);

118.93 Ensure free functioning of human rights organizations and ensure

their access to information (Russian Federation);

118.94 Ensure that civil society organizations are able to carry out their

work in a secure and free environment, without undue restrictions and

intimidations (Sweden);

118.95 Step up efforts to fully protect and promote an enabling and safe

environment conducive to the work of all independent human rights

organizations (Netherlands);

118.96 Take steps to provide the necessary and equal protection for all

human rights defenders, as well as create the necessary circumstances for them

to be able to carry out their activities freely, without discrimination and in a

secure environment (Belgium);

118.97 Protect the ability of civil society organizations to operate freely in

Israel, particularly human rights groups and international non-governmental

organizations (Canada);

118.98 Take the necessary measures to ensure that human rights

defenders and civil society actors can carry out their legitimate work in a safe

environment without threats and harassment (Denmark);

118.99 Guarantee freedom of speech and association, and ensure that

civil society organizations, which have been integral parts of Israel’s vibrant

and functioning democracy, continue to have the space in which to operate

(Finland);

118.100 Continue ensuring that human rights defenders are able to

accomplish their legitimate work in a secure and free environment (Greece);

118.101 Take steps to ensure constraints on freedom of movement do not

restrict people’s basic rights, including access to health care and education

(Australia);

118.102 Sustain its efforts to protect and to promote the rights of minority

women through dedicated policies, taking into account their unique cultural

and economic conditions (Singapore);

118.103 Continue the efforts aimed at eliminating trafficking in persons

domestically, as well as to continue to make its contribution to the global effort

to combat this scourge at international level (Romania);

118.104 Step up efforts in terms of advancing women’s rights inclusive to

combat trafficking of and violence against women (Indonesia);

118.105 Continue to work to reduce discrimination against women

(Portugal);

118.106 Continue their laudable efforts in promoting gender-based

equality, including women’s participation in public and private life and

combating gender-based violence (Greece);

118.107 Continue to take steps in order to ensure full equality between

women and men and to combat all forms of discrimination against women, in

particular domestic violence (Romania);

118.108 Continue with the implementation of measures aimed at a broad

national strategy focused on equality between men and women, that would

allow continuing narrowing the gender gap for any reason (Paraguay);

118.109 Take further steps to encourage women’s participation in the

public sphere (Bulgaria);

118.110 Continue to promote the protection and mainstreaming of gender

in all public and private activities (Angola);

118.111 Incorporate in legislation the principle of gender equality and

non-discrimination in the public and private spheres (Plurinational State of

Bolivia);

118.112 Take necessary steps towards harmonizing its religious laws

governing marriage and divorce with the provisions of the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and amend its

legislation to allow for civil marriages without discrimination on the ground of

religion or belief (Slovakia);

118.113 Continue its efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence

against women (Nepal);

118.114 Continue to tackle the problem of gender-based violence in a

vigorous manner (Georgia);

118.115 Take note of the reports of pervasive and serious domestic and

sexual violence against women, by the Special Rapporteur on violence against

women, and redouble its efforts to address this issue (Japan);

118.116 Strengthen measures to combat gender-based violence, including

through the implementation of relevant laws to ensure justice for victims

(Rwanda);

118.117 In compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child,

apply the definition of the child to all persons under 18 years of age and ensure

that this is the minimum age for military recruitment (Uruguay);1

118.118 Continue efforts aimed at strengthening policies to protect

children’s rights (Georgia);

118.119 Take more effective measure to promote children’s rights, in close

cooperation with the international community (Myanmar);

118.120 Ensure that all children, whether born to migrants, asylum

seekers or refugees living within its territory, have access to birth registration

(Sierra Leone);

118.121 Take the necessary measures to ensure that all children in its

territory, including migrant, asylum seeker and refugee children, are issued a

birth certificate (Togo);

118.122 Continue with action to include forced labour of children in the

Criminal Code, explicitly criminalizing it (Paraguay);

118.123 Ensure that reforms in the juvenile justice system that provide

safeguards for children are implemented (Sierra Leone);

118.124 That the detention of and judicial proceedings against children

fully respect international juvenile justice standards, and in particular the

Convention on the Rights of the Child (Austria);

1 The recommendation, as read out during the interactive dialogue, was: “Adopt the necessary

measures to oversee the application of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the occupied Arab

territories and, in compliance with that convention, apply the definition of the child to all persons

under 18 years of age and ensure that this is the minimum age for military recruitment.”

118.125 Desist from abusing human rights defenders and cease the

arbitrary detention of children (South Africa);

118.126 Increase the budget of its public awareness campaigns aimed at

promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and the accessibility

requirements of public places, so as to better integrate them into society

(Singapore);

118.127 Promote reconciliation between ethnic groups, and implement

further measures to promote and protect the human rights and social

participation of minorities, including citizens of Arab origin, in order to ensure

and strengthen their access to housing, education, and social infrastructure

(Japan);

118.128 Intensify efforts to advance the rights of its Arab minority

populations (Norway);

118.129 Ensure that civil, economic, social and cultural rights of

minorities are respected and protected, without discrimination, in particular

with regard to the right to work, education, access to justice and legal

protection as well as property (Belgium);

118.130 Enhance its efforts to counter discrimination of persons belonging

to the Arab, Bedouin, Druze and Circassian communities, as well as persons

belonging to other religious and ethnic minorities (Austria);

118.131 Ensure non-discrimination and respect for the rights of persons

belonging, in particular, to the Israeli Arab and Bedouin minorities, including

in access to land, employment, housing and places of worship (France);

118.132 Legally recognize unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Negev and

improve the access of all Bedouin citizens to basic services, including adequate

housing, water and sanitation, health care and education (Slovenia);

118.133 Support programmes designed to benefit Israel’s minorities, with

adequate resources, and make every effort towards their full implementation

(Slovakia);

118.134 Continue with implementation of measures for the development of

minorities (India);

118.135 Ensure access for asylum seekers in Israel to a fair and prompt

refugee status determination process (Slovenia);

118.136 Instil a transparent, human rights-based approach related to the

treatment of asylum seekers, including the cessation of forcible transfers to

third countries (Turkey);

118.137 Ensure migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons

have access to a fair and expeditious refugee status determination process

(Algeria);

118.138 Guarantee that the principle of non-refoulement, established in

the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment, is applied to all asylum seekers in Israel (Ecuador);

118.139 Respect the rights of refugees as enshrined in the Geneva Refugee

Convention; and refrain from implementing the policy of forcible relocation to

third countries without ensuring that relocation agreements include protection

safeguards and that the overall legal framework is known by those who may

volunteer for relocation (Germany);

118.140 Strengthen measures in implementing its obligations under

international human rights bodies including the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social

and Cultural Rights to protect and promote human rights in the occupied

territories (Republic of Korea);

118.141 Ensure respect for international obligations under international

human rights law and international humanitarian law throughout all the

Occupied Palestinian Territories (Egypt);

118.142 Commit to the implementation of the human rights treaties and

international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories (Qatar);

118.143 Heed the calls for Israel to recognize and accept the applicability,

to the OPT, of its international obligations, deriving from international treaties

it is party to (Namibia);

118.144 Comply with the provisions of the four Geneva Conventions,

paving the way to end the occupation of the Palestinian territories and other

Arab occupied territories (United Arab Emirates);

118.145 Abide by its international obligations, including under the Fourth

Geneva Convention, on the treatment of a civilian population under military

occupation, as previously recommended (Ireland);

118.146 As regards the occupied Palestinian territories, take measures in

order to abide by international law, especially the fourth Geneva Convention

and relevant United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

resolutions (Brazil);

118.147 Take all necessary measures to ensure that it fulfils all its

obligations under international human rights instruments, particularly the

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with regard to the

situation in Gaza (Iceland);

118.148 End all unilateral measures that compromise the peace which is in

the regional and international interest, and that pose a threat to international

peace and security, especially abolish the decision by the Knesset on the unified

Jerusalem; abolish the decision by the governing party on settlements

annexation and on the imposition of sovereignty over the West Bank (Jordan);

118.149 Cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human

rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 (Mexico);

118.150 Cooperate with the commissions of inquiry, treaty bodies, special

procedures and other United Nations bodies in the investigation of violations of

international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the

Occupied Palestinian Territory (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

118.151 Fully implement all international organizations’ and conferences’

resolutions regarding all rights of the Palestinian people (Iraq);

118.152 Eliminate laws and practices that discriminate against

Palestinians in Israel and in the occupied territories; particularly eliminating

road segregation for the exclusive use of the Israeli population, settlements,

restrictions on freedom of movement, checkpoints and separation walls

(Ecuador);

118.153 Halt the activity of companies conducting business in illegal

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank (Bahrain);

118.154 Effectively prevent and sanction incidents of the use of excessive

force and unlawful killings by security personnel against Palestinians,

especially by aligning relevant legislation with international human rights law

(Turkey);

118.155 Prevent the excessive use of force by the Israeli military and

security forces, particularly against minors (Costa Rica);

118.156 Ensure the existence and operation of an effective accountability

system to address possible violations of international humanitarian law and

human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, among other means,

facilitating the effective access to justice for victims and guaranteeing the

effective investigation of complaints, as well as the lawful work of human rights

defenders (Spain);

118.157 Put an end to the extrajudicial executions of Palestinians and the

criminal military attacks that have caused the death of thousands of innocents

and punish those responsible, unpunished until now (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

118.158 Put an end to the gross violations of human rights in the Occupied

Palestinian Territory, in all its forms, as well as extrajudicial executions of

Palestinians, which have been on the increase since 2015, under the pretext of

security (Algeria);

118.159 Stop the policies of killing, administrative detention and enforced

disappearances against the Palestinians under the pretext of “security reasons”

(United Arab Emirates);

118.160 Eliminate practices of torture and ill-treatment against

Palestinian detainees, particularly children, including during arrests, transfers

and interrogation (Turkey);

118.161 Discontinue the collective punishment of Palestinians (Namibia);

118.162 End the illegal detention of Palestinians without charges or legal

proceedings; the tortures to which they are subjected, the inhumane conditions

of solitary confinement, overcrowding, lack of hygiene and basic services; and

the denial of medical attention in its prisons (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

118.163 Consider improving prison conditions, including those where

Palestinians inmates are held (Mozambique);

118.164 Minimize the use of administrative detention against Palestinians,

especially minors, and in compliance with international human rights

standards (Norway);

118.165 Take all necessary steps to align the use of administrative

detention with international human rights standards and obligations; in

particular, take the necessary measures to ensure that Palestinian children are

not exposed to arbitrary arrest and detention and enjoy full procedural rights

in conformity with international human rights standards (Belgium);

118.166 Continue its efforts to reform its security and judicial practices

with regard to Palestinians (Australia);

118.167 Combat impunity through in-depth, impartial investigations of all

allegations of human rights violations, including those involving members of

security forces or settlers (France);

118.168 Guarantee the protection of the religious and cultural heritage of

the occupied Palestinian territories; in particular, respect the historical and

legal status quo that exists in the holy Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Ash-Sharif

(Jordan);

118.169 Effectively intervene to stop all violations of Islamic and Christian

holy sites, which are under the de facto control of the Israeli Government

(Egypt);

118.170 Maintain an enabling environment for the work of NGOs and

journalists, and lift the prohibition on Israeli journalists visiting the Palestinian

territories (France);

118.171 Ensure that Israeli and Palestinian civil society actors, including

human rights defenders, can exercise their freedom of speech and carry out

their work unhindered (Norway);

118.172 Take steps to ensure the right to freedom of movement for

Palestinians (Iceland);

118.173 Repeal without delay all restrictions on the freedom of movement

and access within the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in order to ensure full

enjoyment of fundamental rights by residents, as well as an adequate standard

of living (Turkey);

118.174 Remove restrictions on the freedom of movement of residents of

the Occupied Palestinian Territory and facilitate access to necessary medical

services and resources (Maldives);

118.175 Respect the rights of Palestinians to freedom of movement in the

Occupied Palestinian Territory, including access to religious sites such as the Al

Aqsa Mosque; and through the lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip

(Malaysia);

118.176 Reduce restrictions on freedom of movement to allow for better

access to health services for Palestinians, particularly those residing in Gaza

(Canada);

118.177 Reverse policies and practices that negatively affect the enjoyment

of human rights by Palestinians both in Israel and in the OPT, including the

blockade on Gaza, demolition of houses, destruction of property and natural

resources, illegal settlements on Palestinian lands and many others (Namibia);

118.178 Taking immediate action to cease the policy of demolitions of

Palestinian properties and buildings, and provide a clearly defined and

transparent process for the construction of properties and buildings for

Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, in the

Occupied Palestinian Territories (United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland);

118.179 Review the housing policy and refrain from carrying out evictions

and demolitions, taking into account the human rights of Palestinians

(Ecuador);

118.180 Allow the people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

unimpeded access to water, food and medical care (South Africa);

118.181 Halt the confiscation and expropriation of Palestinian lands and

grant access to the Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory to natural

resources, including agricultural land and water (Plurinational State of

Bolivia);

118.182 Stop exploiting and plundering Palestinian natural resources in

violation of the relevant United Nations resolutions (United Arab Emirates);

118.183 Respect the right of Palestinians to have access to their natural

resources and to exploit them freely; and guarantee access to all basic services,

especially drinking water (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

118.184 Ensure the end of Palestinian groundwater confiscation and other

water resource allocation within illegal settlements (Bahrain);

118.185 Lift the excessive blockade on the Gaza Strip, and guarantee

access to people and products without in or out impediments (Qatar);

118.186 End the closure of the Gaza Strip, guarantee freedom of

movement to the entire population, as well as respect and protect their human

rights, in particular by guaranteeing access to goods and services essential to

their realization (Switzerland);

118.187 Permanently lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip, to allow for the

import and export of fuel, food, building materials and other essential goods

(Bahrain);

118.188 Consult on possibilities to broaden access to a safe passage

between Gaza and the West Bank (Austria);

118.189 Assist in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and allow the access

of humanitarian aid (Mexico);

118.190 Allow unfettered access for international assistance to improve the

humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people in Gaza (Indonesia);

118.191 Take necessary measures to prevent forced eviction of the

Palestinian people (Indonesia);

118.192 Consider the adoption of a strategy to guarantee the protection of

women’s rights in Gaza (Chile);

118.193 Implement measures to guarantee and protect the rights of

Palestinian children in areas relating to education, criminal procedure, poverty

and security (Chile);

118.194 Adopt the necessary measures to oversee the application of the

Convention on the Rights of the Child in the occupied Arab territories

(Uruguay);2

118.195 Ensure that the treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli

detention is fully in line with Israel’s commitments under international law

(Netherlands);

118.196 Taking action to protect child detainees, ensuring the mandatory

use of audiovisual recording in interrogations with all child detainees, ending

the use of painful restraints, and consistently and fully informing detainees of

their legal rights (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

118.197 Strengthen protections for Palestinian children by halting military

proceedings against them and applying fully the Fourth Geneva Convention to

this vulnerable group (Maldives);

118.198 Ensure that all Palestinian children detained are held in the

occupied Palestinian territory, and not in Israel (Denmark);

118.199 Ensure the implementation of international standards as well as

recommendations by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) related to

Palestinian minors in Israeli detention and prisons (Slovenia);

118.200 Undertake judicial reforms to ensure equal protection and

treatment before the law, and that children are not exposed to arbitrary arrest

and detention (Botswana);

118.201 Prohibit the arrest or arbitrary detention of children and the use

of human shields in Israeli Army operations, in addition to extrajudicial

executions using drones (Ecuador);

118.202 Take urgent measures to promote and protect rights of

Palestinian people (Russian Federation);

118.203 End the practice of occupation and withdraw from all areas

occupied since 1967 and allow for the establishment of an independent

Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital (Jordan);

2 The recommendation, as read out during the interactive dialogue, was: “Adopt the necessary

measures to oversee the application of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the occupied Arab

territories and, in compliance with that convention, apply the definition of the child to all persons

under 18 years of age and ensure that this is the minimum age for military recruitment.”

118.204 Put an end to the illegal occupation of its territory and that of the

Syrian Golan; to the inhuman blockade of Gaza and allow the return of the

refugees (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

118.205 Recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination

as part of a two-State solution, including East Jerusalem as capital of a

Palestinian State (South Africa);

118.206 Recognize the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people

and establish the independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its

capital (Qatar);

118.207 Recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination

and withdraw to the pre-1967 borders (United Arab Emirates);

118.208 Recognize and respect the inalienable right to self-determination

of Palestine as a sovereign and independent State, with East Jerusalem as its

capital (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

118.209 The full withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories and the

return of the Palestinian population, which was displaced by military means, to

their homes and guarantee the practice of their legitimate rights (Iraq);

118.210 Implement United Nations Security Council resolution 2334

(2016) by immediately halting all settlement construction in the Occupied

Palestinian Territory (South Africa);

118.211 Immediately cease all efforts of settlement activities in the

occupied Arab territories (Jordan);

118.212 Suspend the construction of illegal settlements in the occupied

Palestinian and Arab territories and implement relevant international

resolutions, and dismantle the separation wall (Qatar);

118.213 Freeze settlement activities and refrain from all measures aimed

at extending its authority beyond the 1967 borders, in accordance with

international humanitarian law (Switzerland);

118.214 Abide, as the occupying power, by all obligations under

international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the

immediate cessation of illegal settlement activity (Turkey);

118.215 Immediately freeze its settlement activities, which undermine the

viability of a two-State solution and violate international law (Japan);

118.216 End illegal settlements construction of Jewish population and

transfer of Jewish population into the occupied Palestinian territory (Russian

Federation);

118.217 End the Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories

(Qatar);

118.218 End the illegal occupation of all occupied Palestinian and Arab

territories, including East Jerusalem, and end the destruction and demolition of

Palestinian private and public property (Malaysia);

118.219 Stop the settlement expansion policy as it constitutes a violation to

all rights of Palestinian people (United Arab Emirates);

118.220 Discontinue the occupation and expansion of illegal settlements

established in the West Bank and East Jerusalem which violate the basic rights

of the Palestinian people (Maldives);

118.221 End the Israeli illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories. End

the heinous practices of collective punishment against the Palestinian people,

including the use of blockades, closures and restrictions (Malaysia);

118.222 Urgently cease discriminatory and unlawful planning process in

the West Bank and Jerusalem, with a view to repealing legislation confiscating

Palestinian lands (Turkey);

118.223 Immediately cease all settlement activities in the Occupied

Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, and dismantle all settlements

affecting the status of the occupied territories under international legitimacy

(Egypt);

118.224 Stop the colonization of the Palestinian territory with illegal

settlements, and the destruction of their homes and cultural and religious

places (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

118.225 Taking immediate action to reverse policy on settlement

expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which is illegal under

international humanitarian law (United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland);

118.226 Cease the transfer of its civilian population to the Occupied

Palestinian Territory and end all support for settlements and settlers in the

Occupied Palestinian Territory. Israel must dismantle settlements and

withdraw Israeli settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as

recommended by the Human Rights Committee in 2014 (Algeria);

118.227 End the unlawful transfer of the Palestinian population residing

in East Jerusalem in accordance with obligations under article 49 of the Fourth

Geneva Protocol (Malaysia);

118.228 End the unlawful transfer of the Palestinian population and fulfil

obligations under article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (Bahrain);

118.229 Ensure that no forcible transfer of population is conducted in

Area C and take proactive measures to increase access to clean water,

electricity, education and health services for Palestinians in Area C (Sweden);

118.230 Dismantle the opprobrious separation wall that violates the

human rights of the Palestinian people (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

118.231 Repeal the legislation passed in February 2017 by the Knesset that

legalized the confiscation of private Palestinian lands (Bahrain);

118.232 Repeal legislation allowing the confiscation and expropriation of

private property belonging to Palestinians, end the expansion of settlements,

ceasing all types of practices that discriminate between Israeli settlers and

Palestinians (Costa Rica).

119. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Israel and have been noted by Israel:

119.1 Stop targeting human rights defenders, including by repealing the

so-called “NGO Transparency” Law, the so-called “Anti-Boycott” Law, as well

as the March 2017 amendment to the so-called “Entry to Israel” Law (State of

Palestine);

119.2 Ensure that national asylum procedures are in line with the 1951

Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Optional Protocol, as

well as other international laws and standards relating to persons in need of

international protection (State of Palestine);

119.3 Recognize the right to return of the Palestinian refugees to live in

peace with their neighbours and their right to compensation for their destroyed

homes, properties and losses (State of Palestine);

119.4 End the policy of administrative detention and the use of torture

against Palestinians including children in Israeli military detention, and free all

Palestinian political prisoners including children (State of Palestine);

119.5 End the illegal blockade of Gaza, investigate all allegations of war

crimes and crimes against humanity committed during its military aggressions

in Gaza and provide full reparation to the victims and their families (State of

Palestine);

119.6 Comply with international laws by immediately ending its 50

years of colonial occupation of the OPT and apartheid policies against the

Palestinian people (State of Palestine);

119.7 Halt immediately the colonization and attempted annexation of

Palestinian land, the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements and their

associated regime, the forcible transfer of Palestinians and the demolition of

Palestinian homes and structures (State of Palestine);

119.8 Dismantle the illegal wall and the related infrastructures located

inside the OPT and compensate Palestinians for all of the losses incurred due to

their presence (State of Palestine).

120. The recommendations listed in paragraphs 119.1–119.8 were noted as they have

been submitted by the “State of Palestine”. Israel considers that the use of the term

“State of Palestine” in United Nations documents to be procedural in nature only and

was adopted pursuant to a technical Palestinian request that its delegation be referred

to by this name, following the adoption of General Assembly resolution 67/19. It does

not and cannot indicate any recognition of statehood, and is without prejudice to the

substantive question of the legal status of the Palestinian entity. Israel further

considers that the Palestinian entity does not satisfy the criteria for statehood under

international law, and, like many other States, does not recognize it as such.

121. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Israel was headed by H.E. Ms. Aviva RAZ SHECHTER,

Ambassador Permanent Representative and composed of the following members:

• Ms. Emi Palmor, Director General of the Ministry of Justice. Ministry of Justice

Jerusalem, Alternate Head of Delegation;

• Ms. Eva Madjiboj, General Director, The Authority for the Advancement of the

Status of Women, Jerusalem;

• Advocate Mariam Kabaha, National Commissioner at Equal Employment

Opportunities Commission. Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Social Services,

Jerusalem;

• Mr. Avremi Torem, Commissioner for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities,

Ministry of Justice Jerusalem;

• Adv. Aweke Kobi Zena, National Anti-Racism Coordinator, Ministry of Justice,

Jerusalem;

• Adv. Dina Dominitz, National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Coordinator, Ministry of

Justice, Jerusalem;

• Advocate Hila Tene-Gilad, Director of Human Rights and Relations with

International Organizations, Office of the Deputy Attorney General (International

Law) Ministry of Justice, Jerusalem;

• Adv. Sarah Weiss Ma’udi, Director of the International Law Department, Ministry

of Foreign Affairs, Jerusalem;

• Adv. Ronen Gil-or, Director of Human Rights and International Organizations

Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jerusalem;

• Mr. Yoel Mester, Minister-Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative,

Permanent Mission of Israel, Geneva;

• Advocate Orit Kremer, Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of Israel, Geneva;

• Advocate Brian Frenkel, Adviser Human Rights, Permanent Mission of Israel,

Geneva.