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The Mission of the State of Palestine would like to share this briefing with you, on concerns for the health of Palestinian prisoners during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

With over 5000 Palestinians in Israeli jails, the occupying power must guarantee the right to health of the prisoners, through monitoring and the provision of proper medical care.

Israel’s obligations regarding prisoner’s rights are enshrined in the Fourth Geneva Convention:

• Article 27 refers to the humane treatment of prisoners
• Article 76 refers to the provision of food and good hygiene
• Article 81 refers to obligations to maintain internees, including their health
• Article 91 requires all prisons to have an infirmary staffed by a qualified doctor, including isolation wards for contagious conditions

The United Nations Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners also reaffirmed the right of prisoners to have access to health services without discrimination.

Israel must be held to their obligations towards prisoners.  They should release minors, pregnant people, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, particularly those being held in administrative detention.

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