9 ernments, and nations around the globe have faced a real test of their ability to provide a health response to the pandemic, while at the same time maintaining social cohesion and providing protection and care to all groups, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged persons. In Palestine, the government fought the pandemic by declaring the state of emergency for one month, starting on 5 March 2020. The state of emergency has continued to be extended on a monthly basis as at the time of reporting. Lockdown and restrictions were also placed on movement and gatherings. The state of emergency has not been generally used beyond the scope of the stated goal, namely, response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, following the first extension, the ICHR expressed the view that there was no need for a continuous state of emergency. This could be replaced by enforcing some effective laws, including the Public Health Law and Civil Defence Law, in order to tackle the pandemic. In spite of the difficulties and developments created by the pandemic, within its available resources and scope of work, the ICHR continued to play its assigned role in promoting and protecting human rights. During the pandemic, the Commission made extraordinary efforts to monitor the state of emergency measures, quarantine capacities, and places of detention. The ICHR contributed to passing general amnesty decrees, suspending the imprisonment of civilians, and easing overcrowding in places of detention. Additionally, the ICHR contributed to developing detailed guidance on certain groups, such as children, women, and persons with disability. The pandemic revealed that these groups needed special protection from violence and vulnerability. The ICHR also published many fact sheets on some issues and relevant government measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the ICHR monitored the emergency committees established in many cities and villages across the West Bank. It also commented on the tripartite agreement concluded between the government, employers, and worker representatives at the inception of the pandemic. While it continued to carry out its duties and tasks, the Commission brought its activity in line with applicable safety measures and health protocols. In the West Bank, the phenomenon of arms chaos saw a marked increase. Murder rates were also on the rise, particularly in areas beyond control of Palestinian security agencies. In contravention to the rule of law and justice, some customary and tribal practices were resumed, such as the so-called Forat al-dam [outburst of blood, alluding to revenge] and Jalwah [eviction of families]. In many instances, these practices were committed with the acquiescence, complicity, or at least toleration of government bodies. Combined with the absence of the legislative power, namely the PLC, the internal Palestinian political divide persisted, further undermining public institutions, weakening citizens’ trust in these institutions, and warding off a real and serious intention to hold elections. Given the importance of elections, which can put an end to the internal split and restore democratic life, the ICHR, Palestinian human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and academic and independent persons launched a campaign for an expedited action to hold national elections. FolExecutive Summary 2020