ATLANTA — The Carter Center condemns Israel’s decision today to raid and close the offices of six prominent Palestinian human rights organizations based in Ramallah.
We call on the U.S. government and the international community to pressure Israel to allow the following human rights groups to continue their important work: Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, Al-Haq, the Union of Palestinian Women Committees, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, the Bisan Center for Research and Development, and Defense for Children International.
Last year, the Israeli government designated these six groups as “terrorist entities” based on undisclosed evidence, leaving them with no way to rebut the accusations. Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands recently rejected the designation, stating that “no substantial information was received from Israel.” In addition, 22 members of U.S. Congress warned last month that the designation was part of a campaign to silence human rights organizations, resulting in “a negative impact on their ability to deliver assistance and advocate for human rights.”
The Carter Center has consistently spoken out against these actions in the hope that the U.S. government and the international community would exert meaningful pressure on Israel to reverse the designation of Palestinian human rights groups as terrorists. Today’s activities are a further indication that the Israeli government is abusing counterterrorism designations to target human rights defenders and organizations. We continue to stand in solidarity with these globally respected Palestinian human rights organizations, who are doing necessary and courageous work.
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Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org
In Ramallah, Qais Asád, qais.assad@cartercenter.org
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