UN Investigator Quits Over Israel's Non-Cooperation

Makarim Wibisono, who took on the job in June 2014, (Photo : Press Tv)

Gaza, 12 Jumadil Akhir 1437/22 March 2016 (MINA) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories has stepped down, citing the Tel Aviv regime’s refusal to let him into areas he was meant to investigate.

Makarim Wibisono, who took on the job in June 2014, presented his final report to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) while voicing scathing criticism of Israel’s lack of cooperation.

“It was with deep regret that I accepted that the premise upon which I took up the mandate… was not fulfilled,” he told the UN body. Press Tv quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“This lack of cooperation regrettably seems to signal the continuation of a situation under which Palestinians suffer daily human rights violations under the Israeli occupation,” he added, while blasting Tel Aviv over “a general lack of accountability” for such abuses.

Peter Sorensen, the Danish head of the European Union Delegation to the UN, expressed regret over Israel’s denial of access to Wibisono and insisted that all rights abuses “should be subject to scrutiny,” no matter who committed them.

Meanwhile, the appointment of a successor to Wibisono was reportedly postponed after both nominees for the position, British law professor, Penny Green, and Canadian law professor, Michael Lynk, were accused by Israeli groups of having anti-Israeli agendas.

Ibrahim Khraishi, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, denounced the delay as a “flagrant violation” of UNHRC rules.

This is while a UNHRC spokesman told AFP that there was “no postponement” and the process was going on as planned.

In his final representation, Wibisono highlighted the urgent need for his successor to continue the work amid escalated tensions in the occupied territories following Israel’s imposition of restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East al-Quds (Jerusalem).

At least 206 Palestinians, including children and women, have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces since October 1, 2015. (T/P002/R07)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)