UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk raised a Number of concerns that several groups of proposed legislative changes that Israel’s Parliament would be considered pose serious risks on the effectiveness of the judiciary in defense of the rule of law, human rights and the independence of the judiciary.
human rights at risk
“If passed, these Changes risk weakening human rights protections for allbut especially the most vulnerable communities and groups who are less able to defend their rights through representation in the executive and legislature of government,” he said.
The proposals in their current form would Limiting the Supreme Court’s ability to subject laws to judicial review and it would require either a large majority of judges or even unanimity for the Supreme Court to strike down laws, he warned.
News reports said Tens of thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations in recent weeks against the proposed changes, including in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem.
Wider debate needed
“Given the level of public and political concern, I have Call on the government of Israel to pause proposed legislative changes and open them to wider debate and reflection,” he said. “Such issues are at the heart of the rule of law deserve the full attention to ensure that any changes enhance, not diminish, the ability of the judiciary and other branches of government to protect the rights of all people in Israel.”
changes that go to the heart of a country’s long-established constitutional structure and undermine well-established institutional safeguards, should only be carried out after extensive consultation and with broad political and public consensushe said.
