Human Rights Council: 43rd Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Israel

Mr President,

New Zealand welcomes the delegation of Israel to the Council today and thanks the delegation for its presentation. New Zealand commends the efforts of Israel to promote and protect the human rights of people with disabilities. Of particular note is the passage of the 2022 Social Services for Persons with Disabilities Law.

We recommend that Israel:

1. Immediately ceases action on settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), which is illegal under international humanitarian law, and respect international human rights obligations within the oPt;
2. Ensure the proportional use of force by state security forces, and ensure a full accountability process for all alleged incidences of disproportionate use of force;
3. Promote an enabling environment for the work of NGOs and journalists, including in the occupied Palestinian territories;
4. Ensure any counter-terrorism legislation is consistent with its international human rights obligations, noting our concern about proposed new legislation that would re-instate the death penalty in Israel.

We wish Israel all the best for its review.

Thank you Mr President.