I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 28 together.
The overall human rights situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the treatment of children in detention, remains a matter of concern. Ireland has repeatedly drawn attention to concerns regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. We have paid particular attention over recent years to issues related to the detention of minors. Ireland also provides financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are active in bringing these issues to light.
I am aware of the issues raised by UNICEF, including in the February 2013 UNICEF report, entitled “Children in Israeli Military Detention”. I would urge the Israeli authorities, in accordance with their obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to use detention only as a means of last resort, and for the shortest appropriate period of time, in the case of minors.
During my visit to the Middle East last week, I again raised Ireland’s concerns about the detention of minors directly with the Israeli authorities, including the issues of night-time arrests and blindfolding.
Ireland has also raised these issues at EU level and in international fora, including during the Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013. In the most recent Universal Periodic Review of Israel, earlier this week, Ireland raised the issue of administrative detention, and made recommendations on the rights of detainees.
My Department and I will continue to press on these issues in the relevant multilateral fora, and also, where appropriate, directly with Israel.
In relation to the specific case referred to by the Deputies, an Irish diplomatic representative was present at the person in question’s hearing in Ofer military court in the West Bank on 20 December, along with other international representatives. My Department will continue to monitor that case and others.
