Protecting Palestinian children from emotional and physical abuse while in Israeli detention is a complex and sensitive issue. Several measures should be taken to address this problem and ensure the safeguarding of their rights and well-being:
Respect for International Law: All parties involved, including Israeli authorities, should adhere to international human rights law and international humanitarian law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Geneva Conventions. These treaties provide guidelines for the treatment of children in detention and the protection of their rights.
Age Appropriate Treatment: Ensure that detained Palestinian children are treated in a manner appropriate to their age and developmental stage, taking into consideration their vulnerabilities and special needs.
Ending Administrative Detention of Children: Administrative detention, which allows detention without charge or trial, should not be applied to children. Instead, a legal process with proper representation should be followed.
Ending Nighttime Arrests: Israeli military forces should avoid conducting nighttime arrests of children as it adds to the trauma and fear experienced by these young detainees.
Access to Legal Representation: Ensure that all detained children have prompt access to independent legal representation and are informed of their rights in a language they understand.
Avoiding Physical Violence: Prohibit the use of physical violence against children during their detention. Any allegations of abuse should be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible should be held accountable.
Training and Sensitization: Training programs for law enforcement officers, prison staff, and military personnel should be implemented to sensitize them to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children and to reinforce respectful and non-violent interactions.
Monitoring and Oversight: Independent organizations, including human rights groups and international bodies, should have unrestricted access to monitor detention facilities and assess the treatment of detained children regularly.
Family Visitation and Communication: Ensure regular and unrestricted visitation rights for family members and enable detained children to maintain communication with their families.
Rehabilitation and Support: Provide psychological support and rehabilitation programs for children who have experienced emotional trauma during detention.
Alternatives to Detention: Explore alternatives to detention, such as diversion programs or community-based solutions, wherever possible, to minimize the impact of detention on the children's lives.
Public Awareness and Advocacy: Raise public awareness about the issue of Palestinian children in detention and advocate for their rights and protection on the national and international levels.
Cooperation with NGOs: Collaborate with reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with expertise in child protection to ensure that the best practices are followed.
It is important to note that resolving this issue requires political will and commitment from all parties involved. These measures should be part of a broader effort to promote a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.