UN envoy urges independent investigation into sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons

The United Nations representative on sexual violence in conflict has expressed "serious concerns" over reported instances of rape and other forms of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees.

Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, spoke out following the recently published reports by the UN, including the OHCHR.

The comments came just days after a report by Israeli NGO B'Tselem detailed several cases in which Palestinian detainees were subjected to violence and sexual abuse inside Israeli jails. 

"Sexual violence and sexualized torture in any form and in any context, and particularly in detention settings, is unacceptable," Patten said in a statement.

"Such abhorrent acts not only constitute a grave violation of human rights and human dignity but they also undermine efforts towards peace and stability in the region," Patten adds, calling for the necessary medical and psychological support for the survivors to begin the healing process.

The report details the conditions of detention for Palestinian men, women and children under Israeli custody since 7 October.

"These very disturbing reports of sexual violence and other inhuman and degrading treatment could amount to sexualized torture, perpetrated against Palestinian men and women," the statement reads.

The report includes widespread sexual slurs and threats of rape and gang rape, strip searches, prolonged forced nudity and photography or filming of detainees undressed in “humiliating” positions, beatings and electrocution and insertion of objects in intimate areas.

Patten also highlighted the case of the Palestinian male prisoner who was hospitalised in July with severe injuries to his rectum due to sexual violence allegedly perpetrated in the Sde Tieman military base.

While Israel alleges it is investigating the reports, Patten was still "concerned" at the number of investigations compared to the number of complaints received.

"I am particularly concerned about recent attempts by some Israeli political actors, to interfere with ongoing justice processes and/ or to justify the use of these methods," Patten says.

The representative "stresses the importance of upholding international human rights standards and ensuring that detention conditions strictly conform with international norms and standards."

Patten urges the Israeli authorities to grant "unhindered access" for international bodies to these detention facilities and reiterates her call for "independent and thorough investigations" into these violations and bring justice.

Palestinian detainees have revealed the abuse they faced at the hands of Israeli guards while in custody from electrocution and waterboarding to sexual torture.

The B’Tselem’s 'Welcome to Hell' report details many cases where Palestinian detainees were subjected to violence and sexual abuse.