LBCI

Israeli reforms would undermine judiciary, UN rights chief says

Middle East

21-02-2023 | 11:41

Share

Share

Israeli reforms would undermine judiciary, UN rights chief says

2^min

The United Nations' human rights chief on Tuesday voiced concern that a proposed overhaul of Israel's judicial system would "drastically undermine" the ability of the judiciary to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

Israel's parliament is pushing ahead with changes promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's religious-nationalist government which it says are needed to rein in activist judges who intervene in politics.

The proposals, which have sparked mass protests, could increase the government's sway in choosing judges and set limits on the Supreme Court's ability to strike down legislation.

"Breaking from decades of settled practice, such a law would drastically undermine the ability of the judiciary to vindicate individual rights and to uphold the rule of law as an effective institutional check on executive and legislative power," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.

His statement added that the changes would create greater political influence over the judicial selection system.

Israel's mission in Geneva declined to comment. Its ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, has said a previous statement from Turk showed prejudice.

Austria's Turk, who became High Commissioner in October, earlier this month called on Israel to ensure respect of international rights law after his office documented a record 151 killings of Palestinians by security forces last year.

Israel

Reforms

Undermine

Judiciary

UN

United Nations

Rights

Chief

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

Church bells ring across Lebanon in celebration of new pope's election

2025-05-08

Church bells ring across Lebanon in celebration of new pope's election

Kuwaiti interior minister from Baabda Palace: Kuwait stands by Lebanon in all circumstances

03:54

Kuwaiti interior minister from Baabda Palace: Kuwait stands by Lebanon in all circumstances

US intel suggests Israel preparing strike on Iran's nuclear facilities: CNN

2025-05-21

US intel suggests Israel preparing strike on Iran's nuclear facilities: CNN

A new era in UAE-Lebanon relations: Diplomatic reset and economic cooperation ahead

News Bulletin Reports

2025-05-01

A new era in UAE-Lebanon relations: Diplomatic reset and economic cooperation ahead

Videos

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

2025-07-01

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

2025-06-10

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

2025-06-04

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

2025-05-19

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

2025-05-15

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

2025-05-11

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

2025-05-11

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

News Bulletin Reports

2025-05-09

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

US envoy Morgan Ortagus hails Lebanese diaspora, says country stands at a crossroads

2025-04-23

US envoy Morgan Ortagus hails Lebanese diaspora, says country stands at a crossroads

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Turkish Airlines denies flight cancellations to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan

1

Turkish Airlines denies flight cancellations to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan

More than 30 killed in sectarian clashes in Syria's Sweida, interior ministry says

2

More than 30 killed in sectarian clashes in Syria's Sweida, interior ministry says

Lebanon's central bank partners with US firm to boost financial oversight

3

Lebanon's central bank partners with US firm to boost financial oversight

Israel strikes tanks in Syria's Sweida

4

Israel strikes tanks in Syria's Sweida

Jeita Grotto to welcome visitors starting July 15

5

Jeita Grotto to welcome visitors starting July 15

Washington calls on Lebanon to set deadline for state control over Hezbollah arms: Sources to LBCI

6

Washington calls on Lebanon to set deadline for state control over Hezbollah arms: Sources to LBCI

Kuwaiti interior minister from Baabda Palace: Kuwait stands by Lebanon in all circumstances

7

Kuwaiti interior minister from Baabda Palace: Kuwait stands by Lebanon in all circumstances

Lebanese Army dismantles major Captagon factory in Yammouneh, Baalbek

8

Lebanese Army dismantles major Captagon factory in Yammouneh, Baalbek

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More