Four UN experts condemned the wave of global attacks on those who show support for Israelis or Palestinians
A group of UN experts expressed concern about the “global wave of attacks, reprisals, criminalization and sanctions” against those who support Israeli and Palestinian victims of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, and called for free expressions of solidarity to be allowed.
On the one hand, calls to end violence against the people of Gaza, or criticism of the actions of the Israeli government, have been wrongly equated with support for terrorism or manifestations of anti-Semitism, as the experts condemned in a statement. . These are the UN Special Rapporteurs on Cultural Rights, Alexandra Xanthaki; Education Farida Shahid; Expression, Irene Khan, and freedom of assembly, Clement Nyaletsosi).
They added: “On the other hand, there is also an increase in anti-Semitic rhetoric towards those who support Israel or sympathize with the victims of the October 7 attacks.”
The signatories lamented that these positions “create an atmosphere of fear of participation in public life” and leave “very little room for moderate views.”
The wave of attacks against these displays of solidarity included retaliation against artists, “in some cases subject to censorship for calling for peace, while others lost their jobs, were silenced or marginalized by cultural organizations and artistic communities,” they said.
At the same time, journalists and media outlets have been threatened or been victims of intimidation for criticizing Israel’s operations in Gaza, “increasing the risk of self-censorship,” they said. They also cited similar instances of discrimination in settings such as academia or sports. .
Other signatories to the statement are the UN rapporteurs on cultural rights (Alexandra Xanthaky), education (Farida Shahid), and freedom of assembly (Clement Nyaletsosi). (Effy)
“Unapologetic tv specialist. Hardcore zombie trailblazer. Infuriatingly humble problem solver.”