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CESCR
24th session
30 November 2000
Morning





The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights this morning discussed a draft letter to be addressed to the Government of Israel requesting it to submit its second periodic report and a separate one on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territories by 31 March 2001.

In the letter which it is drafting, the Committee would request Israel to submit additional information with special emphasis on the situation of the occupied Palestinian territories in order to complete the initial report already considered by the Committee.

The Committee expressed deep concern about the current situation which it said had resulted in gross violations of the economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinians. It also said that the Israeli authorities had prevented medical personnel from helping wounded Palestinians. In addition, children travelling to and from schools had come under Israeli shelling and many schools had been closed as a consequence.

Israel is among the 143 States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and as such it must submit periodic reports to the Committee, which can also invite States parties to supply it with additional information whenever the need arises.

Earlier this morning, the Committee held a private meeting to discuss its concluding observations on the report of Morocco.

When the Committee reconvenes at 3 p.m., it will continue its discussion on the draft letter to be sent to Israel.



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