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Ministry of Defense Soldiers' Rights Commissioner

The Commissioner's Address:

In my position as the Soldiers' Rights Commissioner, I see myself primarily as the representative of the individual, the one who by his choice has appealed to me and asked for my help. The Commission Institute is not an alternative for the Military System, but a complementary frame, the purpose of which is to promise the soldiers' rights, with cooperation and recommendations to performing with the Military Systems.

As I fulfill my role, I will emphasize treatment of the following subjects:

* To find foibles concerning the soldiers' rights, at the local level and at the systematic level, and to suggest ways to fix them.

* To shorten the response time of a complaint, from when it has been received until the end of its treatment. That way the possible damage to the complainant will be reduced.

* To tighten the connection between the commission and its staff to the soldier in the field and his commanders. That way I would be able to monitor the issues which need a solution.

As the complaints were treated, we found that part of the cases could have been solved by the direct commanders. It is recommended to remember, that the commander is the first and natural address for the soldiers' appeals in any subject and concern. It is the commander's duty to verify that the soldiers who are in his command are doing their duties in the most efficient and helpful way. His duty is also to make sure that the soldiers' rights, As defined in law and the Army commands, are brought to their knowledge, are granted to them fully, and are being fulfilled in a suitable way.

It is a right of the soldier to turn to me, whenever the soldier thinks injustice has been done to him, or his rights and service conditions were deprived, or he was treated roughly, in an unnecessary manner.

Source: Israel Defense Forces