Euro-Med Monitor calls for removal of UN Rapporteur over bias in addressing Palestinian detainee sexual abuse
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has called for the immediate dismissal of Alice Jill Edwards, the Australian UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, citing her failure to address the severe human rights violations faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention. The organization expressed deep concern and disappointment over Edwards’ handling of her duties and exhibiting bias in her approach to the Israeli violations against the Palestinian people.
The organization highlighted Edwards’ alarming failure to uphold the necessary human rights standards and defend victims of violations in accordance with international law, particularly in the context of Israel’s confirmed rape crimes against Palestinian detainees. It emphasizes that Edwards has consistently ignored the well-documented and systematic torture and other grave violations committed by Israel against Palestinian detainees, especially those from Gaza. These violations, including torture, are considered jus cogens norms under international law, meaning they are universally recognized as prohibitive and non-derogable.
One of the most troubling aspects of Edwards’ tenure, according to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, is her silence, which has effectively enabled Israel to continue these violations with impunity. The organization also pointed out that Edwards failed to complete a comprehensive investigation into Israeli violations, which she had promised to initiate on March 8, 2024, and has yet to release any findings.
Furthermore, Edwards has not taken a strong public stance or issued unequivocal condemnations of Israel’s systematic and widespread crimes against Palestinian detainees. This perceived double standard is particularly evident in her response to the October 7th military operation, which she condemned, while failing to similarly denounce Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
Ramy Abdu, the head of the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, criticized Edwards for downplaying the severe realities faced by Palestinian detainees, particularly in relation to rape and sexual violence. In her communications with the occupation state, according to Abdu, the issue of rape was mentioned only once and was limited to the threat of rape, despite compelling evidence of its systematic use against detainees. In contrast, her correspondence with Palestine cited “sexual violence” 15 times regarding alleged violations by Palestinian factions, demonstrating a clear disparity in her approach.
