Submission of NGO Monitor to the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders

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Introduction

For nearly 20 years, NGO Monitor has studied the issues of terrorism, armed conflict, transparency, and accountability measures within the human rights and humanitarian NGO community. NGO Monitor’s research team examines open and independently verifiable sources. The information and data in NGO Monitor reports originate primarily in publicly available publications from government and private donors and NGO grantees, correspondences with funding frameworks within the EU, as well as submissions to the Israeli Registrar of Non-Profits.

NGO Monitor’s groundbreaking research has uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars in public monies that has been granted to organizations promoting violence, antisemitism, and the erasure of Israel. Much of this funding has also been provided to groups connected to terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.  This funding is at odds with human rights law, counter-terror financing, and policies aimed at promoting mutual understanding, dialogue, and a negotiated two-state solution. 

As an Israeli civil society organization defending universal human rights principles, the integrity of humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians from terrorism and incitement, NGO Monitor is itself a human rights defender within the meaning of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Our mission is rooted in combating antisemitism in all its forms and ensuring accountability for actors who undermine human rights norms and international law.

Because of this work, we have increasingly been subjected to reprisals, harassment, and delegitimization campaigns. Such reprisals not only threaten NGO Monitor but also undermine the credibility of the UN’s commitment to safeguarding human rights defenders worldwide, without discrimination.