December 2008
Ms. Tzipi Livni
Foreign Minister
Government of Israel
Dear Madam,
We were shocked to learn about the recent deportation of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Territories, Prof. Richard Falk. When we read the Foreign Ministry announcement on the matter, our surprise turned to grave concern.
Discord with official envoys of official international organizations must not justify preventing them from entering Israel and the Occupied Territories. By doing so, Israel joins the dubious club of countries, such as Burma and North Korea, which close their gates to international human rights experts.
Three million Palestinians currently live under Israeli occupation. Different reports, including one recently published by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), as well as official publications of Israeli authorities and those who have served as their agents point to the blatant infringement on Palestinians’ rights in every possible domain. These alone suffice to justify the interest of international organizations, including those specializing in human rights, to visit and get a first-hand impression. Furthermore, the Israeli government is not allowed to deprive the Palestinians, who live under occupation and whose freedom to leave their area of residence is severely restricted, of meeting directly with international representatives and to isolate them from the world. This contradicts Israel’s obligations under International Law.
Moreover, if the Foreign Ministry believes that the rule of law is maintained in the Occupied Territories, then Israel should welcome such visits, so that its righteousness will be proven.
The outrageous attempt to make Israel and the territories under its control accessible only to people who support its stance is in severe contradiction to all of the basic principles of a democratic society.
Sincerely,
Hagai El-Ad
Executive Director
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel
