− The report, in paragraph 1, does not state that after the second presidential elections of 2005 and second legislative elections of 2006 were held, no elections have ever been in place. Presidential decrees were promulgated, providing for holding presidential and legislative elections in 2021. However, in spite of demands from civil society, elections were subsequently abolished by the Palestinian President. Against this background, the ICHR recommends that: o The Palestinian government publish the ICESCR in the Official Gazette and disseminate it at the national level. National legislation will be amended and brought in line with the rights and freedoms protected and safeguarded by the Covenant. Action will also be initiated to earmark budget allocations needed to realise the rights contained in the ICESCR. o Expedited action be taken to hold national elections as a legal requirement, which can empower the elected government to impose sovereignty, extend control, and put in place legal and judicial jurisdiction over all of the Palestinian territory. Equality and non-discrimination - In paragraphs 2 and 3, the report makes reference to the legislation and procedures guaranteeing the principles of equality and non-discrimination in rights and freedoms. Most importantly, these include Article 9 of the Palestinian Amended Basic Law of 2003, as a mended. Notwithstanding the provisions of this article, the principles of equality and non-discrimination continue to be subject to unjustified restrictions, which hinder application on the ground. There remains a set of regulations and procedures that run counter to these principles. For example, some provisions of the Personal Status Law establish guardianship, custodianship, and family responsibilities. The principle of partition of matrimonial property is absent. The Law further associates women’s economic and social rights to man’s will. In addition, the Law No. 4 of 1999 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is impaired by unclear regulations and bylaws, which ensure that the law is duly applied and that needed financial costs for enforcement are provided. So far, a reasonable timeline that is commensurate with the financial resources of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has not been set forth to put the law into effect. - The report omits any reference to the measures or processes, by which the Palestinian government seeks to implement the ICESCR provisions. In the context of a programme-based budget, the report fails to mention the size of appropriations earmarked to all groups to ensure economic accessibility to all rights. Budgeted allocations are also unclear. Accordingly, the ICHR recommends that: 6