German Foreign Minister visits ICHR and meets with human rights activists and defenders

Ramallah – Today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Annalena Baerbock, visited the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) and met with ICHR representatives as well as human rights and activists. During the meeting, Baerbock was briefed about the situation of human rights in Palestine. A presentation was made on harassments of human rights defenders, particularly human rights groups labelled by the Israeli occupying authorities as “terrorist organisations.”

In the meeting, Palestinian participants urged Baerbock that Germany play a greater role in the international accountability of the occupying Power for ongoing crimes and violations against Palestinians. The occupying Power should be obliged to uphold its obligations. On various levels, pressure will be placed on Israel to enforce International Law in Palestine. German development support to Palestine needs to be maintained.

Participants also stressed the German Minister intervene with and exert pressure on the Israeli government to adhere to the preparations for elections in the city of Jerusalem.

The meeting brought together Mr. Issam Aruri, ICHR, Commissioner General, Dr. Ammar Dwaik, ICHR Director General, Mr. Majed Aruri, Executive Director of the Civil Commission for the Independence of Judiciary and Rule of Law. (ISTIQLAL), and human rights activists Ruba Masrouji and Tami Rafidi.

10 February 2022