Statement by Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the recent loss of life and violence in the Occupied Territories

HR/98/34
15 May 1998


"I have learned with deep regret of the incidents which took place yesterday, during which at least 8 Palestinians were reported killed and several hundreds injured by Israeli forces during demonstrations in the Occupied Territories.

I remain profoundly concerned by the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the Occupied Territories, and call upon the Government of Israel to respect the right of peaceful assembly, to avoid the excessive use of force, and ensure the full compliance of its police, security and military forces with the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and with the UN Guidelines on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

My thoughts today are with the families of the victims, and, more than ever, with the urgent imperative of peace."