By NNN-KUNA
Geneva : The Special Rappporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin urged the Government of Israel on Dec 7 2007 to make an immediate decision to withdraw all Jewish settlements from the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
He added that there was a need to replace the unfinished barrier, which extends deep into Palestinian territories, with a security infrastructure that, by its geographical position, respects the Green Line or is otherwise accepted by the Palestinians.
Scheinin noted in his report on his mission to Israel, which included visits to the OPT, the adverse human rights consequences of the security barrier constructed by Israel along and inside the Territory, and its negative impact on the rights to work, health, housing and education.
While the decision is being implemented, the Special Rapporteur recommended that urgent action be taken to ensure that the permits regime, the administration of checkpoints and all other associated measures in the OPT do not have a disproportionate impact on the enjoyment of