The meeting of the sub-committee on political dialogue and co-operation between the EU and Israel represents a unique opportunity for the European Union to raise individual cases of human rights defenders at risk to the Israeli authorities. Front Line would like to draw particular attention to the restrictions on the freedom of movement of human rights defenders in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Further Information

Front Line is concerned about the continued severe restriction of movement placed on Palestinian human rights defenders. Human rights defenders seeking to protect and promote the human rights of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem have been subjected to escalating levels of obstruction in the course of their work, in particular since September 2000.

According to reports received by Front Line, this situation has worsened in 2007, because of Israel’s checkpoint and closure policy. Since 2002 the construction by Israel of the Wall has been instrumental in the intensification of restrictions on freedom of movement for human rights defenders in the OPT. Recent political developments inside the Gaza Strip and the reactions of the Israeli authorities have also further restricted the possibility of human rights defenders travelling freely.

Front Line wishes to emphasise the essential role, which human rights defenders, on all sides,have in facilitating a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. Palestinian and Israeli human rights defenders represent key voices for peace and justice in the region. Their increasing marginalisation has occurred with a parallel rise in local militarism and extremism.

Front Line is concerned that the isolation and degradation of human rights defenders has had a direct impact on both Palestinian and Israeli society by undermining the credibility of those forces who speak out in favour of human rights and democracy and, thus, undermining the impact of their work.