NGO Social Media Propaganda Marks Israel’s UN Review

On January 23, 2018, the UN Human Rights Council reviewed Israel as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) framework. According to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, all UN Member States are reviewed on a rotating basis, examining “what actions they [Member States] have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations.”

In advance of and during Israel’s review, numerous self-proclaimed human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) took to social media where they made false and exaggerated accusations – for instance, accusing Israel of war crimes. This propaganda is standard practice for these NGOs – such as Human Rights Watch (HRW), Al-Haq, and Medical Aid for Palestinians – which focus on biased anti-Israel efforts while negating human rights violations committed by Palestinian factions.

The following is a selection of Tweets posted by leaders from different Israeli and internationals NGOs that highlight this concerted effort to influence the UN review process.

NGO Statements

• Omar Shakir (HRW)
  • “Today in Geneva, UN conducts review of Israel’s rights record over last 5 yrs. @hrw did its own review, finding Israel carried out war crimes & that rights abuse & institutional discrimination against Palestinians systematic #UPR29” (tweet; January 23, 2018)
  • “Achievements? Most serious concern are systematic rights abuses tied to occupation, yet, despite 50+ yrs of control, Israel says it doesn’t have human rights obligations in OPT! Its brazen disregard of int’l law continues…” (tweet; January 23, 2018)
  • “‘Challenges’ a euphemism for war crimes (settlements, punitive home demolitions, forced transfer, Gaza killings, etc.)? (tweet; January 23, 2018)

• Al-Haq
  • “Al-Haq’s intervention on #Israel’s #UPR29 during the Pre-sessions in December’17, focusing on right to self-determination, permanent sovereignty over natural resources; discriminatory residency laws #Jerusalem; collective punishment; ongoing closure of #Gaza” http://www.alhaq.org/advocacy/targets/united-nations/1160-al-haq-participates-in-the-upr-pre-sessions-in- (tweet; January 23, 2018)
  • “#UPR29: Jointly with @CIHRS_en & Community Action Centre ‘#Israel has failed to implement recommendations made by states in the 2nd cycle of #UPR review concerning #Palestinian population in OPT @UN_HRC #UPR29 https://twitter.com/CIHRS_en/status/955758505528647680 … (tweet; January 23, 2018)”

• John Fisher (HRW)
  • “At #UPR29, #Israel affirms commitment to human rights, but fails to address human rights issues related to occupation, illegal settlement activity or rights of Palestinians” (tweet; January 23, 2018)
  • “#Israel dismisses reports by some NGOs as “distorted”. Fails to explain how. As #UPR29 continues, it could start by addressing even one of the concerns in @hrw’s #UPR submission (accountability, settlements, displacement, freedom of movt, detentions) https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/06/29/submission-universal-periodic-review-israel” (tweet; January 23, 2018)

• Itay Epshtain (Norwegian Refugee Council)
  • “#Israel on the immediate offensive. Rather than reflect on it’s transgressions and explore ways to rectify conduct, it casts balme on the UN #HRC and the community of States #UPR29. @NRC_Norway @NRC_MiddleEast” (tweet; January 23, 2018)
  • “#SouthAfrica raised concerns with #Israel compliance with #IHL and #IHRL. Met with Israel PoO suggesting human rights of Palestinians is a political matter not to discussed during #UPR29. Well, the purpose of these proceedings is lost on them…” (tweet; January 23, 2018)

• Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
  • “#UPR29 session: @EMHRN and its members stress the culture of impunity that prevails in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is time to ensure accountability for HR violations by the Israeli police and military forces” (tweet; January 23, 2018)
  • Neil Sammonds (Advocacy & Campaigns Director for MAP): “With 2017 set to witnesses lowest medical referral rate from Israel, vital that international community push Israel to end its generalised travel ban & unlawful closure/blockade of Gaza #UPR29” (tweet; January 23, 2018)

• Manon Karatas (FIDH: International Federation of Human Rights)
  • “Ambasador Ms. Aviva Raz Shechter starts #upr29 of #Israel by attacking the UN, saying UN resolutions on Israel are politicized and that fundamental protection is given to all” (tweet; January 23, 2018)
  • “#Israel attacks ‘certain NGOs’, giving reason to question the exercice of freedoms of expression, association of journalists, minorities & human rights organizations, and in particular of those subjected to delegitimization campaigns #upr29 @swiss_un @SwedenUN @BelgiumUNGeneva” (January 23, 2018)

• Mona Sabella (Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies- CIHRS)
  • “#UPR29 Israeli delegation extremely worried about the UN #HRC being so hard on it. Here’s a thought: maybe implement the recommendations and resolutions of the #HRC and your worries will disappear?” (tweet; January 23, 2018)