UN Special Representative Concerned Over Reports Of Sexual Violence Against Palestinian Prisoners In Israeli Prisoners

The arrest of Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli military. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - Special Representative to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) Pramila Patten expressed deep concern about a report recently published by the United Nations, including OHCHR., the report illustrates the dramatic deterioration in conditions experienced by Palestinian prisoners, women, and children under Israeli custody since October 7, 2023.

The press release issued by the Special Representative Office for Sexual Violence in Conflict said reports of sexual violence and other demeaning Serra inhumane acts could be considered sexual torture committed against Palestinian men and women.

It includes widespread sexual insults and threats of rape and rape in groups, repeated and embarrassing nude searches, as well as prolonged forced expulsion, beatings and electric shocks on genitals and anus, inserting objects into detention anus, inappropriate touch on women by male and female soldiers, to shooting or recording naked or half naked prisoners in an embarrassing position.

"Sexual violence and sexual torture in any form and in any context, and in particular at the place of detention, is unacceptable," said Special Representative Patten calling for the provision of medical and psychological support needed to begin the healing process of the victims, reported by WAFA Sept. 10.

"This disgusting act is not only a serious violation of human rights and human dignity, but also undermines efforts towards peace and stability in the region," he added.

Special Representative Patten recalled widespread media coverage of the latest case of Palestinian male prisoners being hospitalized in July with serious injuries including in his rectum, as a result of sexual violence at Israel's Sde Teiman military base.

Special Representative Patten stressed the importance of upholding international human rights standards, ensuring detention conditions are in accordance with international norms and standards, urging Israeli authorities to provide unrestricted access to relevant international agencies to detention facilities in Israel and in occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza.

He reiterated that relevant and competent UN agencies carry out independent and thorough investigations into all these alleged violations in order to drag all perpetrators, regardless of rank or affiliation to court.

He expressed concern over the limited number of investigations that were opened compared to the number of complaints received.

"I am particularly concerned about the latest efforts by several Israeli political actors to interfere with the ongoing judicial process and or to justify the use of these methods. Sexual violence and sexual torture in places of detention should not be normalized," he stressed.

"The impunity made the perpetrators brave, silenced the victims and damaged the prospect of peace," he continued.

"Perpetrators of such heinous crimes must be held accountable and justice must be upheld," concluded Patten.