A/HRC/10/76 Page 19 75. Maldives noted that human rights improvements in Israel are not matched by improvements in the territories under its effective control, especially the Occupied Palestinian Territories, reflecting the State’s refusal to recognize the applicability of international humanitarian law and human rights law beyond its territory. It noted that the human rights of the Palestinians are undermined on a massive scale and that, until their fundamental rights are fully protected, the inalienable right of every person in the region to live in peace, security and prosperity will never be realized. Maldives recommended that Israel end the occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories; recognize and respect the right of the Palestinian people to selfdetermination and to establish an independent sovereign Palestinian State; respect its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law with regard to the Palestinian people; acknowledge and fully implement the ruling of the International Court of Justice and immediately cease work on the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and begin dismantling it; fully and immediately implement all Council resolutions on the situation of human rights in the occupied territories. 76. Indonesia, although acknowledging that Israel has been living in a state of emergency for over 40 years, was concerned that it continues to use the conflict to justify practices contravening international law; this applied particularly to the protection of basic rights of the civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and other Arab occupied territories, including the Golan Heights. It asked how denying the rights of Palestinians to have access to their place of work and to a job, attend school, receive medical care or enjoy such basic necessities as clean water and electricity could help its cause in the war. It asked if, on the contrary, being deprived of these basic rights acts as a permanent and grievous irritant for these populations, keeping the hostilities going unnecessarily. Indonesia asked whether a plan or timetable was being considered to dismantle the wall, adding that it was important that the many resolutions and the ruling of the International Court of Justice on the matter be implemented rather than systematically flouted or disregarded. 77. Argentina, noting that Israel placed a de facto moratorium on the death penalty, suggested that Israel evaluate the possibility of ratifying the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with a view to abolishing the death penalty. Argentina requested Israel to consider the possibility of signing and ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and accept the competence of its Committee. 78. South Africa expressed concern that the national report does not cover the Occupied Palestinian Territories nor the occupied Syrian Golan. It noted that the State’s position, that its obligations under international human rights treaties do not apply beyond its own territory, has no basis in international law. It requested clarification. It noted as commendable the measures highlighted in the national report on implementing the economic, social and cultural rights of Israeli citizens, including the right to land and housing. It asked how these can be regarded as having implemented international human rights treaties if they are in direct contradiction to the enjoyment of the human rights of Palestinians, especially the right to self-determination and the right to return. South Africa recommended that the Government take urgent and immediate steps to end its occupation of all Palestinian and Arab Territories occupied since 1967; implement all Human Rights Council, General Assembly and Security Council resolutions with regard to the Occupied Palestinian Territories and other Arab territories; introduce measures to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and their right to return; accept its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law; cease action that would alter