The Independent Commission for Human Rights - ICHR 51 comprised eight females and three males in 2021 compared to seven females and nine males in the previous year. By geographical area, compared to 12 in the Gaza Strip and four in the West Bank in 2020, nine citizens died in the West Bank and two in the Gaza Strip on these grounds during the reporting period. − Deaths inside prisons and detention centres: In 2021, deaths inside prisons and detention facilities dropped dramatically, registering only four. All fatalities were adult males, including one in the Gaza Strip and three in the West Bank. By contrast, in 2020, nine inmates died in prisons and detention centres, including five in the West Bank and four in the Gaza Strip. Eight dead detainees were adult males and was a female child at the Care Home for Girls in the Bethlehem governorate. − Deaths from suicide: The ICHR documented 16 suicides in 2021 in comparison to 26 in 2020. In spite of this apparent decrease, the number of suicidal deaths continues to be high and requires an examination of relevant economic and social factors. By geographical area, deaths from suicide included seven in the West Bank and nine in the Gaza Strip. Of these, two were females and one was a child. By contrast, 26 cases of suicide were documented in 2020, including three in the West Bank and 23 in Gaza. Casualties included one children and two females. − Deaths by other causes: Like 2020, the ICHR documented two incidents of death that resulted from unexploded ordnances or explosive devices in the West Bank. Both were adult males. By contrast, in 2020, two males also died in similar circumstances, including a child. For the second year in a row, the number of cases under investigation by the Public Prosecution rose to 13, including seven males and six females. Of these, four were children. All cases involved death incidents reported to have taken place in the West Bank. In 2020, nine cases were investigated by the Public Prosecution. Including two children, these concerned seven males and two females. Finally, the ICHR documented three deaths with unknown backgrounds63 (See Table 1 in the Annex below). 2. Capital punishment Legal provisions that prescribe capital punishment The State of Palestine has not introduced any amendments to the applicable laws, which impose death penalty on some criminal acts. These laws continue to be in force in Palestine. There are still 74 crimes, the perpetrators of which are punished by death, in accordance with national laws operative in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.64 The nature of rendered death sentences Targeting adult males, 12 death sentences were entered, exclusively by courts in the Gaza Strip. Reflecting a downward trend, 15 death sentences were rendered in 2020, also in Gaza. Between 1994 and end of 2021, a total of 239 persons were sentenced to death. Of these, 41 death sentences were carried out. 63 64 This category has been newly introduced this year. It implies the cases of death, which the Public Prosecution investigated and referred defendants to court. However, the ICHR is unaware of the backgrounds of these deaths or the charges imputed to the accused offenders. According to Palestinian Penal Law of 1936 in effect in the Gaza Strip, 15 crimes are punishable by death. Under the Jordanian Penal Law of 1960 in force in the West Bank, a total of 17 crimes are punishable by death. The Revolutionary Penal Law of 1979 applicable to the Palestinian security forces prescribes capital punishment for 42 acts. Twenty Seventh Annual Report 2021