A UN committee of independent experts calls for combating systematic discrimination against Palestinians.
El Gisr – Exclusive
A committee of independent experts has called on all States Parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to take measures to combat racial discrimination faced by Palestinians, including imposing appropriate sanctions on individuals, groups, or entities that incite apartheid or racially motivated violence.
The call came from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, following the publication of its findings in the case brought by the State of Palestine against Israel, where an independent special commission examined, for the first time, allegations of racial discrimination against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The commission concluded that the segregation between Jewish and non-Jewish communities, the expansion of settlements and outposts, restrictions on building permits, and house demolitions “contribute to systemic discrimination against Palestinians and undermine prospects for a peaceful resolution.”
The committee emphasized that all States Parties are obliged under the Convention to ensure that their policies, cooperation, and assistance related to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory do not enable or support discriminatory policies or practices. It urged States to use diplomatic, legal, and other legitimate means to promote compliance with international standards and help address specific concerns.
Committee member Chinsong Chung stated that the international community “plays a central role in addressing racial discrimination.” She added: “When States knowingly tolerate racial discrimination practiced by another state, in circumstances that obligate them not to, they themselves may bear responsibility under international law.”
She further noted: “On the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, combating racial discrimination is more urgent than ever, especially in situations of armed conflict, and requires full commitment from all States Parties.”
The committee called on States Parties to ensure that their resources are not used to support discriminatory policies or practices and to take measures against incitement to apartheid, hate speech, and racially motivated violence, as part of their shared responsibility to eliminate racial discrimination.
The committee will continue to seek information from States Parties and other relevant stakeholders on steps taken in response to its recommendations and monitor their implementation.
It is worth noting that the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a body of independent experts monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by States Parties, which was adopted 60 years ago.
