Stressing the need to cancel some provisions contained therein: AMAN Coalition issues a statement regarding Decree Law No. (7) of 2023 on the Amendment of Consular Fees Law No. (1) of 2001

Stressing the need to cancel some provisions contained therein: AMAN COALITION issues a statement regarding Decree Law No. (7) of 2023 on the Amendment of Consular Fees Law No. (1) of 2001

RAMALLAH – The AMAN Coalition for Accountability and Integrity reviewed Decree Law No. (7) of 2023 regarding the amendment of Consular Fees Law No. (1) of 2001, which was published in Official Gazette No. (200). During this process, the Coalition found that some provisions of this Decree Law violate the principles of equality and non-discrimination, as follows:

First: What was stated in Clause (a) of the first paragraph of Article (4) on exempting Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees and their first-degree relatives from most consular fees without justifying the reason for that exemption violates the principle of equality stipulated in Article (9) of the Palestinian Basic Law and the international accords, covenants, and treaties ratified by Palestine.

Second: What was stated in Table No. (2) attached to the said law concerning the fees of issuing and approving a certificate of good conduct (“Security Safety’) is being used as an alternative for the Certificate of Non-Conviction. This process witnesses the interference of Palestinian security services in public civil life and individual rights depending on one’s opinions and political affiliation. Hence, it is considered a violation of integrity in governance and a gateway for political corruption. Due to AMAN Coalition’s reservations on the mechanism for issuing decree laws – which are supposed to be promulgated only in emergency situations as stipulated in the Palestinian Basic Law, the AMAN Coalition demands the immediate repeal of the aforementioned provisions.