UN Experts Denounce ’Israeli’ Law Sentencing Palestinian Minors to Life Imprisonment

By Staff, Agencies

United Nations human rights experts have rebuked a new "Israeli" law authorizing Palestinian children as young as 12 years old to be sentenced to life imprisonment, stressing that the ruling is in contravention of international human rights standards.

UN experts express concern over the Youth Law in "Israel," which allows life imprisonment for 12-year-olds convicted of "terrorism" and "terrorist acts" in the occupying entity's courts.

Experts highlighted the National Insurance Law (Amendment No. 251), which allows illegal entities to suspend financial aid for children imprisoned due to terrorism offense, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups.

“We are concerned that the amendments and laws are inconsistent with the right of children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” the UN human rights officials said.

“We underline that any measures taken to combat terrorism and violent extremism, including incitement of and support for terrorist acts, must comply with all obligations under international human rights and international humanitarian law.”

"Israeli" military laws permit detention of Palestinian children aged 12 and above in West Bank, with new legislation increasing penalties to life sentences for so-called "terrorism-related crimes".

The UN human rights officials called on the Tel Aviv entity to immediately review and revoke the harsh laws, stressing that imprisoning children for life is a violation of international standards and human dignity.

Moreover, global actors are urged to pressure "Israel" to respect children's rights and protect their welfare, emphasizing the need for urgent international attention to promote peace and justice.