Geneva Institute for Human Rights

Presenting the report, Daniel Taub, Senior Deputy Legal Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, said that protecting their children and providing them with the best possible opportunities in life was the guiding objective of every parent. It was one of Israel’s prime motivations in reaching out to make peace with their neighbours, and when no other choice was available, in defending their families from violence and terrorism. The Government of Israel was committed to advancing the protection of children in every sphere. This effort was clearly a work in progress, with much left to do. But in recent years they felt they had made some important further steps. There had been an increased focus on children’s rights, and on the need to raise public awareness and involvement in the enhancement of children’s well-being.

Other Committee Experts raised questions and made comments on issues related to, among other things, the statement made by Israel in all international fora on the inapplicability of the Convention beyond the territory of Israel. This declaration was however contrary to international law, as the Convention was applicable in all territories where the State party exercised jurisdiction and therefore also included the Occupied Palestinian Territories, noted an Expert. Among other issues Experts raised were the age difference between the definition of a Palestinian and an Israeli child; the impact on children of the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory; the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli Defense Forces during Operation Cast Lead; the disturbing effects of the Separation Wall on students’ circulation; the fact that persons at the age of 17 were designated and called for military service and that persons below 18 might be recruited to combat units; the status of students of religious schools which combined military service with Talmudic studies; the purpose of military schools for children between 13.5 and 18 years of age; the detention of Palestinian children under military orders; and whether non-State armed groups existed in Israel.

One of the most critical and important elements in the long-term protection of the rights of the child was education about peace and tolerance, said Mr. Taub. This was important in the long-term relations between Israelis, Palestinians and Arabs in general.

In preliminary concluding remarks, Committee Expert Luigi Citarella, who served as Rapporteur for the report of Israel, said that the report did not given enough information on the actual implementation of the Optional Protocol in Israel, but the discussion had shed some light on it. One

of the issues remaining was the issue of the application of the Optional Protocol in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.