The UN expert on human rights in the Palestinian territories voices scathing criticism of Israel, as he stepped down over what he said was a lack of access to areas he was meant to monitor.
Makarim Wibisono, who took on the role of Special Rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories in June 2014, presents his final report to the UN Human Rights Council, criticizing Israel’s refusal to cooperate with his mandate.
“It was with deep regret that I accepted that the premise upon which I took up the mandate… was not fulfilled,” he tells the council.
Makarim Wibisono addresses the UN’s Human Rights Council on July 23, 2014. (UN/Violaine Martin)
The Indonesian diplomat says he had been assured before taking up the position that he would have access to the occupied Palestinian territories.
But he said repeated requests for access were unsuccessful.
“This lack of cooperation regrettably seems to signal the continuation of a situation under which Palestinians suffer daily human rights violations under the Israeli occupation,” he says, and slammed “a general lack of accountability” for such abuses.
— AFP contributed
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