UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten. UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative condemns ‘widespread sexual violence’ against Palestinians in Israeli jails Human Rights
The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict has expressed deep concern over reports from a number of UN humanitarian agencies that describe a sharp deterioration in conditions for Palestinian men, women and children in Israeli jails.
“Extremely disturbing reports of widespread sexual violence and other inhuman and degrading treatment,” Pramila Patten said in a statement, “may amount to sexual torture.”
According to the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, human rights defenders have documented multiple cases of sexual abuse, threats of rape, humiliating strip searches, electric shocks to the genitals, as well as photographing or filming naked or partially naked prisoners in humiliating positions.
“Sexual violence and sexualized torture in any form and in any context, particularly in places of detention, are unacceptable,” Pramila Patten said in a statement. “These abhorrent acts not only constitute a gross violation of human rights and an affront to human dignity, but also constitute a grave violation of human rights and human rights.” but also undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.”
The Special Representative called for medical and psychological support to be provided to victims of such incidents, as well as for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible. She stressed the importance of upholding international human rights standards and ensuring that detention conditions strictly comply with international norms.