Key facts
- The UN human rights office criticized the Trump administration's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group.
- The UN stated the designation is a disproportionate restriction on free speech, assembly, and association.
- The office warned that expansive use of the term 'terrorism' can have a chilling effect on civic space.
- Palestine Action targets Israel-linked defense companies, particularly Elbit Systems, in Britain.
- The group states its activities aim to disrupt the Israeli military and oppose actions in Gaza.
The United Nations human rights office has condemned the Trump administration's decision to designate the group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, calling it a "disproportionate and unnecessary restriction" on free speech and assembly rights.
The U.S. designation, made on Wednesday, was framed by the administration as part of an effort to crack down on left-wing groups. Israel's foreign ministry welcomed the move.
The UN office, led by chief Volker Turk, stated that the expansive use of the term 'terrorism' can have a chilling effect on civic space. This condemnation echoes previous criticism from Turk's office regarding Britain's ban on Palestine Action, a decision that led to approximately 3,000 arrests during protests.
Palestine Action has been active in Britain, targeting Israel-linked defense companies like Elbit Systems through tactics such as blocking entrances and damaging property. The group asserts its actions are aimed at saving lives by disrupting the Israeli military and opposing its operations in Gaza.
Further concerns were raised by UN experts Ben Saul and Francesca Albanese. Albanese, who has faced U.S. sanctions herself, suggested such designations are intended to silence critics. Sarah McLaughlin of the free speech group FIRE also urged rejection of such censorship.