Israel bars UN Human Rights Rapporteur, an Indonesian, entry to Palestine

11 Jun, 2015

Israel bars UN Human Rights Rapporteur, an Indonesian, entry to Palestine

RAMALLAH, June 9, 2015 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Foreign Ministry, in a press statement Tuesday, condemned Israel decision to deny the United Nations Rapporteur on human rights, Makarim Wibisono, entry into the occupied Palestinian Territories (oPT).

Mr. Makarim Wibisono, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 © UN Photo

Describing it as a continuation of the numerous Israeli violations against the Palestinian people, the ministry said this decision is an attempt to hide the truth behind all crimes committed in the oPT, including Jerusalem.

The ministry affirmed the importance of UN Rapporteurs’ in revealing human rights violations, adding that it has sent an open invitation to all special UN Rapporteurs to act within their jurisdiction and follow up on the humanitarian situation in the oPT.

It further stressed the need for Israel to adhere to the resolutions of international law; and to allow the UN Rapporteur, and other UN missions to enter the oPT to follow up on the situation on the ground.

Calling on the international community to pressure Israel to implement the resolutions of the United Nations, the ministry said the pressure must include an immediate halt of all violations while acknowledging the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the need to hold Israel accountable for its crimes.

The ministry considered the absence of accountability over Israel’s policies and violations as an encouragement to break the international law.

In November, Israel banned the International Independent Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the offensive launched by Israeli forces on the Gaza Strip, said the Middle East Monitor.

It reported on the Palestinian human rights organizations as saying in a statement that banning the UN official deprives Palestinian women from having their voices heard regarding the violence they suffer.

Makarim Wibisono

Makarim Wibisono (Indonesia) assumed the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 in June 2014.

Mr. Wibisono has served in various capacities in the course of his diplomatic career, including as the Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations in Geneva (2004-2007) and in New York (1997-2000). Mr. Wibisono has also served on a number of United Nations bodies including: Chairperson of the 61st United Nations Commission on Human Rights (2005); President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (2000); Vice-President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (1999); and Chairperson of the Group 77 and China at the United Nations in New York (1998). He recently served as Chairperson to the 2nd Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights, Geneva (2013).

Mr. Wibisono has also served as Director of the ASEAN Foundation Executive in Jakarta (2011-2014) and Chairperson of the APEC Counter Terrorism Task Force (2003-2004). He has been an Advisor to Indonesian National Human Rights Commission in Jakarta since 2009.

Mr. Wibisono holds a PhD in Political Science and a Masters degree in International Political Economy, both from the Ohio State University. He holds a Masters degree in International Relations from the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorrandus in International Relations from the Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia.

He is married with three children.