‘De Facto State Policy Of Organised And Widespread Torture’: 10-Point UN Report Slams Israel

‘De Facto State Policy Of Organised And Widespread Torture’: 10-Point UN Report Slams Israel

The UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) has released its latest findings on Israel, Albania, Argentina, and Bahrain, raising a series of concerns over each country's compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment.

In its extensive assessment of Israel, the committee outlined multiple areas of serious concern, particularly regarding developments since the October 7, 2023, attacks and Israel's subsequent military operations.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the committee's observations:

The UN panel began by unequivocally condemning the attack carried out by Hamas and affiliated groups against Israel on October 7, 2023. It extended condolences for the “reprehensible loss of life" and acknowledged the “indelible physical and emotional scars" inflicted on victims and their families.

However, it also voiced deep concern over what it described as the disproportionate nature of Israel's response, noting that it has resulted in “massive loss of life and profound suffering for the Palestinian people."

The committee pointed to a significant deterioration in the “material conditions" across Israeli detention facilities. It said this appeared to be the result of a deliberate state policy of collective punishment, citing high-level statements made by Israel's Minister of National Security and other officials.

The panel expressed alarm over reports indicating a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture and ill-treatment during the reporting period. It noted these allegations had intensified sharply since October 7.

It further warned that several policies introduced during Israel's continued “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" could, if implemented as alleged, lead to cruel, inhuman, or degrading living conditions for Palestinians.

In a strong recommendation, the committee urged Israel to:

The panel criticised Israel for still lacking a distinct criminal offense of torture, despite decades of recommendations. It highlighted that Israeli law allows public officials to evade prosecution under the “necessity" defence, which is used to justify unlawful physical pressure during interrogations.

The committee noted that Israel continues to allow the use of undisclosed “special means" or coercive methods employed in interrogations.

It urged Israel to:

Despite its criticism, the committee recognized Israel's ongoing security threats and reiterated condolences for the October 7 victims. It also noted Israel's willingness to engage with questions relating to the “Occupied Palestinian Territory."

Israel acknowledged that the prohibition of torture applies across all legal frameworks binding the state, including those relevant to the territories.

The committee expressed regret that Israel had taken no action on previous recommendations concerning:

The panel acknowledged Israel's claim that torture is “effectively criminalized" through existing criminal statutes. It also took note of legislative steps taken during the reporting period, including the creation of an inter-governmental task force intended to introduce torture as a distinct criminal offense.

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Although Israel drew significant attention due to the scale of allegations, the committee simultaneously published findings on Albania, Argentina and Bahrain, raising separate concerns for each nation regarding detention conditions, accountability failures, and compliance with international norms.

Source: News18
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