On Saturday 10th November a seminar has been organised by the Scottish Friends of Palestine and the EIS to explore the reality for Palestinian children under occupation.
It will also discuss the obligations on the state of Israel, as an occupying power and member of the human race, towards these children. The Seminar will be of interest to everyone who believes that children should be treated as children.
In the West Bank the detention of Palestinian children and young people by the Israeli military occupation forces, their treatment in the military courts, all go largely unreported and unchallenged. From the minute the children are detained, blindfolded or hooded, the treatment by their gaolers and military justice system can only be described as abusive and inhumane with credible reports of exposure to ill-treatment and torture.
Detained in late night raids, torn away from their family with parents denied the right to accompany them, the children will be exposed to solitary confinement, the use of leg irons and shackles. Signed confessions in Hebrew, a language most do not understand, is not uncommon.
The meeting will take place between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday 10th November at Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor, Grosvenor Street, Edinburgh, EH12 5EF.
Speakers will include:
Gerard Horton (International Advocacy Officer – lawyer, Defence for Children International, based in Ramallah)
Aimee Shalan (Director of Advocacy and Communications, Medical Aid for Palestinians)
Dr Michael Kearney (lecturer in Law, Sussex University & legal consultant for Palestinian rights body, al Haq)
Chair: Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People
Accommodation is limited. You are advised to pre-register to book your place at the Seminar. Entrance is free but donation appreciated.