Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
68. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any engagement with the Israeli authorities regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47162/21]
View answerIreland has repeatedly recalled to Israel the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law in respect of detainees, in particular obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Since taking a seat on the UN Security Council in January, Ireland has taken the opportunity to highlight human rights and humanitarian issues in regard to the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
During the Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, Ireland made a recommendation to Israel regarding the treatment of detainees. I have raised these issues myself directly with the Israeli authorities during my visits to the region. In addition, 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.
