UN Commissioner concerned about violence in Middle East.

• Author: Mildon, Marsha

Mary Robinson, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is increasingly concerned about the human rights situation in Israel and Palestine. "I follow with ever deepening concern the deteriorating human rights situation affecting the whole population in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the worsening human insecurity in Israel as a result of suicide bombings and other attacks. I join with Secretary General Kofi Annan in appealing to Israel to lift the virtual house arrest imposed on President Arafat, and I reiterate the strong appeal of Terje Roed-Larsen that urgent efforts be made to get back to the building of peace.

"The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has been present in Gaza since 1996, and has been engaged in supporting the Palestinian Authority in building democratic institutions. In 2001, an evaluation mission recommended that OHCHR strengthen its activities in the Palestinian Territories -- particularly in the current crisis. Colleagues of mine who have just been there, to formulate a project...