[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20146]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT FOR H.R. 4391

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RO KHANNA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 18, 2017

  Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of H.R. 4391, the Promoting 
Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian 
Children Act, I am concerned with the United Nations (UN) reports 
highlighting the detention and mistreatment of Palestinian children. We 
should stand up for human rights in all cases, even when abuses are 
committed by our most trusted allies.
  Israel faces unique security threats and, unfortunately, some 
underage Palestinians do resort to violence as a means of change. This 
is unacceptable, and the Palestinian leadership needs to take more 
steps to prevent children from being manipulated into becoming 
terrorists.
  The threat of child terrorism should not be an excuse, however, to 
torture those accused of such actions or deprive them of rights. Every 
minor should have a right to a lawyer, to due process, and to having 
their parents notified.
  I am encouraged by a 2015 UNICEF report indicating that Israeli 
authorities are taking steps to address alleged abuses. Although 
evidence of the ill-treatment of Palestinian children detained still 
exists, I am hopeful that Israeli forces will ultimately fully comply 
with international human rights laws.
  Through continued discussions with the Israeli government, Mr. 
Speaker, I am hopeful changes will continue to occur. Doing so is in 
the best interest of Israel's security and consistent with their 
values.

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