Statement by 
H.E. Ambassador Aharon Leshno Yaar
Permanent Representative


Before the
Committee Against Torture
42nd Session

5 May 2009
Geneva
Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Committee,
Israel has always welcomed the various ways to improve its understanding and knowledge of the serious subject of torture and continuously seeks to better work toward an ideal application of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading Treatment or Punishment.  With this in mind, as in the past, we welcome the Committee’s commitment, expertise, and advice and look forward to an interactive, transparent and open dialogue to better our application of the Convention.  

I am particularly pleased to note that since Israel’s last presentation before this Committee in 2001, several significant developments have taken place both in terms of law and practice – which place Israel in line with its commitments under the Convention against Torture. 

I am also pleased to appear before you today with a delegation of experts from Israel to present our 4th periodic report – experts from the relevant venues and Ministries in Israel whom have the ability to substantively and extensively answer the large range of salient issues you have raised.

But first, let me avail myself of this opportunity to introduce our delegation: 


Mr. Shai Nizan, Adv.
Deputy State Attorney for Special Affairs 
	
Ms. Ady Schonmann, Adv. 
Deputy Head of International Law Department, 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ms. Hila Tene-Gilad, Adv. 
(Acting Director (Human Rights and Liaison with International Organizations),
Ministry of Justice

Mr. Gilad Shirman, Adv.
High Court of Justice Department, 
Office of the State Attorney

Mr. Halevi, Adv., 
Prime Minister's Office

Mr. Walid Abu-Haya
First Secretary, 
Permanent Mission of Israel, Geneva

Ms. Amanda Grudinskas
Adviser,	
Permanent Mission of Israel, Geneva



Distinguished Committee Members, 
Since Israel’s last presentation before this Committee in 2001, the strategic environment in our region continues to deteriorate and Israel is facing ever greater and more dangerous challenges, both from state and non-state actors.  In spite of those menaces, Israel has consciously chosen to open itself to international scrutiny through interaction with UN human rights treaty bodies, other UN mechanisms and with several NGOs. I would like to reiterate Israel’s full commitment to respecting its international obligations within the Convention Against Torture.  We recognize that Israel, like every other democratic and accountable member of the international community, must impose restraints on its own actions, in conformity with its responsibilities under international law.

Yet, we believe that it is important to outline as part of the effort to put things into perspective, that understanding Israel’s pressing security, political and social situation is critical for recognizing the context in which we have made advancements, and the challenges we still face, given our limited resources and ongoing security threats. These exceptional circumstances are unique among other democracies.

At the same time, and despite these challenges, it is all the more encouraging to note the progress made by Israel both in terms of policy and legislation, during the reporting period, as my colleagues from Israel will shortly address in detail.  Some changes have been high-profile; other may not be immediately discernable to the outside world and are perhaps most perceptible to Israeli citizens.  All these are reflective examples of the changes that have taken place since Israel’s last appearance before this Committee. 

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Committee,
I would like to assure you that we came here today with an open mind and willingness to listen and engage in a substantive dialogue, with the genuine hope to overcome any perceived differences. We know the work of this Committee will be professional, and look forward to the Committee conducting a fair and candid assessment of Israel’s report, keeping in mind the unique challenges we face.  With this in mind, I will now give the floor to my distinguished colleague, Mr. Shai Nitzan, Deputy State Attorney for Special Affairs, from the Ministry of Justice.

Thank You.






















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