
UN Anti-Racism Committee Statement Delivers New Blow to Prisoner Execution Law
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomes the statement issued by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at the conclusion of its 117th session, which addressed the Israeli law permitting the execution of Palestinian prisoners, approved by the Knesset on March 30, 2026. The Ministry emphasized that the law entails grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The Ministry affirmed that the statement reflects a growing international consensus regarding the dangers of this discriminatory “legislation,” which represents a serious escalation within Israel’s broader system of discriminatory laws and policies imposed against the Palestinian people. It stressed that the law exclusively targets Palestinians and entrenches a discriminatory system in the administration of justice.
Furthermore, the Ministry underscored the Committee’s position that imposing the death penalty, particularly in the absence of fair trial guarantees and under the ongoing military court system used as a tool of occupation, constitutes a flagrant violation of the right to life as protected under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Such measures amount to serious breaches of international human rights standards.
The Ministry also expressed its appreciation for the Committee’s call on Israel to immediately repeal the law, halt all policies and practices involving racial discrimination against the Palestinian people, and ensure that Palestinian prisoners and detainees enjoy their full rights, including the right to a fair trial and protection from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and torture.
In addition, the Ministry called on the international community and States parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to fulfill their legal and moral obligations. This includes the duty not to recognize unlawful situations or assist in their perpetuation, and to take concrete measures to halt these violations, such as holding Israel accountable and ensuring that no support or resources contribute to sustaining this discriminatory system, in line with the Committee’s recommendations.
The Ministry concluded by affirming that, despite this important UN response to Palestinian diplomatic efforts, it will continue its engagement at all international levels, including through UN mechanisms and international courts, to ensure accountability for these violations, protect the rights of the Palestinian people, and advance justice in accordance with international law, ultimately contributing to ending the occupation.
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