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Middle East Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018

Tuesday, 30 January 2018

Ceisteanna (132, 133)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

132. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to raise the detention of a person (details supplied) in an Israeli prison; the steps taken to advocate for their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4033/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

133. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions taken by him and his officials on the approximately 350 Palestinian children held in Israeli prisons and detention centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4034/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 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. The rights of the child are human rights. Detained Palestinians, especially children, should have the same protections and conditions that Israel affords its own citizens when detained.

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, last 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.

I am aware of the case raised by the Deputy, and note that the individual in question remains in custody. An Irish diplomatic representative was present at this person’s hearing in Ofer military court in the West Bank on 20 December, along with other international representatives. In view of her age and the nature of the charges against her, I am concerned that the military judge ruled at a remand hearing last week that she be held in detention for the duration of her trial. I understand that the first trial hearing is scheduled to take place on 31 January. My Department will continue to monitor that case and others.

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