The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) strongly condemns the recent actions and public campaigns led by the Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister targeting Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and members of its staff for their legitimate human rights work documenting violations in Palestine.
We are deeply alarmed by reports of escalating intimidation, incitement, and assassination threats directed at researchers and staff associated with Euro-Med Monitor. Human rights defenders operating under conditions of armed conflict and occupation must never be subjected to threats, harassment, or retaliatory campaigns because of their documentation and advocacy efforts.
IFRD is particularly concerned by the severe deterioration of the security environment facing Palestinian human rights workers and civil society organizations. We understand that, due to credible fears for the safety of their staff and families, Euro-Med Monitor has been forced to minimize parts of its operational capacity. Such circumstances represent a dangerous attack on independent human rights monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
The decision to impose entry bans and politically motivated restrictions against human rights defenders and organizations contributes to an increasingly hostile climate that undermines international law, freedom of expression, and the protection of civil society actors.
IFRD calls on:
- The European Union and UN mechanisms to urgently monitor and respond to threats against Palestinian human rights defenders;
- International institutions and diplomatic missions to ensure the protection of civil society workers facing intimidation and reprisals;
- Israeli authorities to cease all forms of incitement, targeting, and retaliatory measures against human rights organizations and their personnel.
At a time when independent documentation is essential to preserving evidence and protecting civilians, attacks on human rights defenders must be met with clear international condemnation and concrete protection measures.
The protection of human rights organizations and their staff is a fundamental obligation under international law and must not be compromised under any circumstances.
