The State of Palestine’s Accession to the International Human Rights Treaties

On 2 April 2014, the State of Palestine deposited with the UN Secretary- General (UNSG) its first ever instruments of accession to a number of international treaties, including seven of the 10 core Human Rights treaties and one optional protocol. Between December 2017 and April 2019, the State of Palestine has ratified six additional optional protocols. As from the date of entry into force, the obligations contained in each of these treaties are legally binding upon the State of Palestine under international law. The accession to seven core Human Rights treaties and key protocols is a significant step towards enhancing the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Palestine. It has changed the Human Rights landscape in Palestine by establishing clearly identifiable legal obligations on Human Rights. In this regard, it is important to note that the State of Palestine acceded to the international Human Rights treaties without reservations meaning that the rights contained in these instruments apply in full.