The Independent Commission for Human Rights - ICHR 101 Recommendations The ICHR reiterates recommendations of its previous Annual Report as no measures or actions have been taken address or put an end to violations of the right to hold public office. The ICHR recommends that: • The Civil Service Law needs to be amended. It should explicitly provide that the GPC comply with merit-based, equitable and non-discriminatory processes of appointment and promotion. Conditions and procedures of appointment, promotion and evaluation will be inclusive of all categories of civil servants, including appointments to the foreign service. • The GPC needs to comply with legal and administrative norms in relation to access to civil service, promotion, evaluation, dismissal, or removal from public office. • The Council of Ministers needs to revoke the decision on early retirement of the Gaza-based civil services. In addition to violating the Civil Service Law, the decision negatively affects a large number of civil servants as well as legally enshrined vital and basic services, particularly education and health. The Council of Ministers needs to abide by the obligations arising from the State of Palestine’s action to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). • The Council of Ministers needs to stop using its powers in a way that impinges on the rights and freedoms of civil servants. It should comply with applicable legal standards in the approval of government policies relating to the salaries of civil servants, political prisoners, and released political prisoners in the Gaza Strip. These must be grounded in equality and non-discrimination. • The GPC needs to put in place criteria for the employment of persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairment. Commensurate to the needs and capacities of persons with disabilities, the GPC will also develop means, models, and structures of new posts, ensuring that these persons have easy access to their guaranteed right to hold public office in line with the legally prescribed quota. Twenty Seventh Annual Report 2021