[21 January 2012] - Today DCI-Palestine submitted a report to the UN - In their own Words: A report on the situation facing Palestinian children detained in the Israeli military court system (January 2012).

The report is the third six-monthly submission lodged by DCI-Palestine with the UN in which the situation facing Palestinian children from the West Bank held in Israeli military detention is considered. The report covers a six month period between 1 July and 31 December 2011 and is based on the sworn testimonies taken from 36 children detained during this period. DCI-Palestine is particularly concerned at the sharp increase in the number of children who reported being held in solitary confinement during the reporting period. This number increased from four children, during the first six months of 2011, up to eight children during the previous six month period.

The common complaints and areas of concern raised by the children in their testimonies are presented below:

For the first time since January 2011, a child has been given an administrative detention order in December 2011, and is being held without charge or trial. These orders are issued by Israeli military commanders for periods of up to six months, renewable indefinitely, and are typically based on secret evidence.