Amnesty International calls on the UN Security Council to investigate human rights abuses in Jenin

Amnesty International, whose delegates are now carrying out investigations in Jenin, called on the Security Council to instruct the UN Secretary-General to deploy, without delay, an authoritative team of international experts to investigate the alleged human rights abuses that took place in Jenin within the past twelve days.

"According to the principles of international law, when deaths have occurred in disputed circumstances there must be an impartial investigation with the cooperation of all sides," said Amnesty International. "We are calling for international experts to be deployed and permitted to enter Jenin NOW with a mandate to carry out a prompt, independent and thorough investigation and to report their findings publicly."

Amnesty International said that an adequately resourced independent international investigation team should be composed of persons, known for their impartiality and integrity, with proven expertise in the conduct of criminal and forensic investigations. It should include experts in the field of forensics, ballistics, human rights and humanitarian law. The team should also include people who have proven expertise in the protection and support of victims and witnesses, including women and children. The team should report publicly as soon as possible.