Palestinian prisoners, torture and detention

Question

1. What assessment has DFAT made of the findings of the recent report by Francesca Albanese documenting the systematic use of torture against Palestinians in Israeli custody since October 2023? 2. Does the Government accept the report's finding that these practices may meet the threshold for serious international crimes under the Genocide Convention? 3. What representations has Australia made directly to Israel regarding allegations of widespread torture, ill-treatment and arbitrary detention of Palestinian prisoners? 4. Has DFAT sought independent verification or engaged with UN mechanisms regarding conditions of detention, including access for international monitors? 5. What steps is Australia taking to ensure it is not complicit, directly or indirectly, in a system where torture and inhumane treatment are credibly alleged? 6. What assessment has DFAT made of the scale and use of administrative detention of Palestinians, including detention without charge or trial? 7. Does the Government consider prolonged administrative detention without due process to be consistent with international human rights law? 8. What steps is Australia taking to advocate for the release of arbitrarily detained Palestinian prisoners, including children? 9. Has DFAT examined whether current detention practices form part of a broader system of coercion or collective punishment?

Answer

Please see attached answer

Documents

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