Written answers

Thursday, 23 June 2022

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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146. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will use its place on the UN security council or call in the Israeli ambassador to raise the use of administrative detention by the Israeli state, and if it can specifically raise the hunger strike of two detainees (details supplied) who have been held in administrative detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 898 on 14 June 2022, I am aware of the cases to which the Deputy refers. Irish officials are closely monitoring this matter, in cooperation with our civil society partners on the ground. Both Ireland and the EU provide financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are active in bringing issues regarding the treatment of detainees to light.

I have called on the Israeli authorities to end the practice of administrative detention completely. Ireland has also repeatedly highlighted the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law in respect of detainees, in particular obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Detainees must have the right to be informed of the charges underlying any detention, have access to legal assistance, and receive a fair trial.

At the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland has called on the Israeli authorities, in accordance with their obligations under Article 9 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to refrain from conducting arbitrary arrests and to follow the acceptable procedure established by law regarding arrest and detention. Ireland also made a recommendation to Israel regarding the treatment of detainees during the last Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the Human Rights Council in 2018, expressing concern at Israel’s extensive use of administrative detention in particular.

I have also raised these issues directly with the Israeli authorities during my visits to the region.

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