An Open Dialogue between Human Rights Organizations and General Intelligence Agency leadership

The Center for Defense of Liberties and Civil Rights “Hurryyat” initiated a round table meeting today in participation of a number of Human Rights Organizations Council managers, the Palestinian Coalition against Torture and the General Intelligence Agency leadership discussing Palestine’s obligations after the accession to the UN Convention against Torture and the cooperation mechanisms to actions of torture, and holding violators accountable. Some important interventions and in depth conversations took place during the meeting leading to the following recommendations:

1. The importance of harmonizing the Palestinian national legislatives and the Palestinian Penal Procedures Law in particular in addition to the bylaws of security departments to the UNCAT standards.

2. Enhancing and reinforcing the relationship with the General Intelligence Agency to guarantee a successful follow up to complaints of inhuman treatment of torture practices based on a clear defined mechanism.

3. Implementing abrupt and surprise lawyer’s visits to interrogation and detention centers.

4. Maintaining meetings, workshops and training sessions with the General Intelligence Agency to develop the performance of the staff in accordance to human rights and dignity.

Attendees committed to follow up the arising recommendations as it involves the Palestinian national interest and a justified right in context of the recent diplomatic, political and legal challenges that Palestine is facing towards freedom and independence.