Campaign reply - Support Palestinian journalists and human rights defenders

Thank you for contacting my office. I very much appreciate you getting in touch about Palestinian journalists and human rights defenders. 

Unfortunately, due to urgent parliamentary business, I could not attend this briefing. However, like you, I am concerned about the challenges facing human rights defenders (HRDs) and organisations operating in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

 

I am assured that ministers and British officials continuously urge the Israeli Government to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of HRDs, of which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is a fervent champion everywhere. The UK has also raised concerns with the Palestinian Authority about the treatment of HRDs in the West Bank.

Indeed, during her visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territories in June 2022, the Minister for the Middle East, Amanda Milling, met with human rights defenders, journalists and civil society organisations to discuss the pressures they face. In line with this, HM Government has made sure to call on the Government of Israel and Palestinian Authority to allow human rights organisations to operate freely.

In addition, I can assure you that reports of ill-treatment of those in Israeli military detention is not something the UK takes lightly. In terms of prosecution, it is crucial that there is adequate legal due process to make sure that people's rights can be fairly heard. I have been assured that HM Government continues to raise these points with the Israeli authorities.

The UK has also been clear that it remains concerned about Israel’s extensive use of administrative detention which, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary rather than as routine practice and as a preventive rather than a punitive measure. Detainees should either be charged or released.

Likewise, UK officials have, in no uncertain terms, highlighted their concerns over the continued transfer of Palestinian detainees to prisons inside Israel in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Rest assured, however, that HM Government continues to call on the Israeli authorities to comply with their obligations under international law. The UK also funds projects providing legal aid to those, especially minors, detained and prosecuted in this manner and capacity building to local lawyers.

It is for reasons such as the above that Israel and the OPTs remain a human rights priority for the FCDO. I am confident that the UK will continue to monitor these issues closely and raise them with the relevant authorities where effective.

Thank you once again for getting in touch, and if I can be of further assistance with any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.