The issue of arbitrary confiscation of ID cards of Palestinian Jerusalemites has been given serious consideration by various UN bodies which regard it as a serious violation of basic human rights. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories reported that residents of East Jerusalem are being treated by the Israelis as resident aliens. He estimated the number of Jerusalemites working or living outside the city whose ID cards have been revoked as being between 60,000 and 80,000. 

The Special Committee established by the UN General Assembly to investigate Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories issued a press release on 16 June 1997 in which it referred to the testimony about the extremely serious situation in East Jerusalem resulting from the massive confiscation of IDs which, according to witnesses, amounted to deportation and ethnic cleansing of the Arab population of the city. 

In its resolution ES-10/2 of 25 April 1997, the General Assembly of the UN reaffirmed that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying power, that have altered or purported to alter the character, legal status and demographic composition of Jerusalem are null and void and have no validity whatsoever. 

Finally, in his report to the General Assembly of 26 June 1997, the UN Secretary - General confirmed that the Government of Israel had implemented further measures which alter or purport to alter the character , legal status and demographic composition of Jerusalem. Referring to the revocation of residency rights and confiscation of ID cards, the Secretary - General stated: `The loss such permits results in a loss of rights to housing, health care, school access and freedom of movement into and around Jerusalem.’ 

UNHC/CHR wishes your Seminar every success and looks forward to the results of your deliberations.”