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UN rights office criticizes US terror designation of Palestine Action

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

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  • The UN human rights office called the US designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group an "expansive use" of the term that threatens free speech.
  • The US designated the group, which targets Israel-linked defense companies, as part of a crackdown on left-wing groups.
  • The UN office stated the designation is a "disproportionate and unnecessary restriction" on rights to expression and assembly.

The United Nations human rights office has sharply criticized the Trump administration's decision to designate the Palestine Action group as a terrorist organization, calling it an "expansive use" of the term that threatens free speech. The UN body stated the move is a "disproportionate and unnecessary restriction" on fundamental rights.

appears to be both a disproportionate and unnecessary restriction on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as well as the right to participate in public affairs.

— Office of United Nations human rights chief Volker TurkDescribing the US designation of Palestine Action.

Washington designated Palestine Action on Wednesday, framing it as part of President Donald Trump's effort to combat left-wing groups. Israel's foreign ministry welcomed the decision. However, the UN office, led by Volker Turk, argued that such designations can have a "chilling effect on civic space."

Palestine Action has been active in Britain, targeting companies linked to Israel's defense industry, notably Elbit Systems. The group often employs disruptive tactics like blocking entrances or spraying red paint. Britain had previously banned the group, a decision also met with criticism from Turk's office. The UK's Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal against a lower court ruling that upheld the British ban.

Expansive use of the term 'terrorism' has been documented to have a chilling effect on civic space.

— Office of United Nations human rights chief Volker TurkExplaining the broader implications of the designation.

The group asserts its actions aim to "save lives by disrupting the Israeli war machine" and oppose Israel's war against Hamas. The Trump administration has pursued various measures against pro-Palestinian activists, including deportation attempts and threats to freeze university funding. UN experts Ben Saul and Francesca Albanese also voiced concerns regarding the US designation.

we must reject that censorship - not import it.

— Sarah McLaughlinSenior scholar of global expression at free speech group FIRE, commenting on the US action.
About this summary

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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