Mr President,

The European Union would like to thank Special Rapporteur Professor Michael Lynk for the presentation of his report on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory to this Council [HRC/37/75]

The EU is convinced that respect for justice, the rule of law and international human rights and international humanitarian law by all parties are cornerstones of peace and security. The EU is deeply concerned about the serious loss of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory and about the continuing violence, as well as the continued settlement expansion in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem. The EU expresses specific concern for the situation in the Gaza strip.

The EU reiterates the view that the "Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories" should properly be addressed by this Council as any other specific country situation under the general item on “Human rights situations that require the Council´s attention”  (Item 4) or other Items. The substantive positions and concerns of the EU regarding this situation are therefore being expressed under different items during this Council session.

The EU reiterates its reservation regarding this mandate which is limited to "investigate Israel's violations" only whereas we believe that all alleged human rights violations and abuses, regardless of their magnitude and nature, and regardless of the offending party, should be subject to scrutiny and investigated in accordance with international standards. In this context, the EU appreciates the efforts by Special Rapporteur Lynk to engage with all duty bearers.

We deeply regret that Israel has refused access to the current Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and to his two predecessors, and we call on Israel to grant access to the current mandate holder without delay and to issue a standing invitation to all Special Procedures, noting the acceptance of a visit by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women in September 2016.

Mr Lynk, can you please elaborate on the steps necessary to improve the social determinants that influence health outcomes in the occupied Palestinian Territory?