UN humanitarian chief appalled by conditions in Afghan informal settlements
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 9 May 2012 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN humanitarian chief appalled by conditions in Afghan informal settlements, 9 May 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4facd6d02.html [accessed 25 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
"The Secretary-General continues to follow with concern the ongoing hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, in particular those held in what is known as administrative detention," according to information provided by his spokesperson.
"He stresses the importance of averting any further deterioration in their condition," the spokesperson added. "He reiterates that those detained must be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees, or released without delay."
More than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners began an open-ended hunger strike two weeks ago, on 17 April Palestinian Prisoners Day to protest against unjust arrest procedures, arbitrary detention and bad prison conditions, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR).
Last week, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, said he was deeply troubled by reports about the critical condition of at least two Palestinians being held by Israel, who have been on hunger strike for over two months, and urged the Government to preserve the health of the prisoners.
Noting that the Secretary-General urged all concerned to reach a solution without delay, his spokesperson said that Mr. Ban fully supported the efforts of Mr. Serry, who is actively engaged on this issue with the parties on the ground.
