The UN Human Rights Office said on Thursday that the Trump administration’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation imposes disproportionate and unnecessary restrictions on freedom of expression.
The office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the designation “appears to be both a disproportionate and unnecessary restriction on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as well as the right to participate in public affairs,”
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It added that the expanded use of the term “terrorism” has a negative impact on civic space.
Washington designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation on Wednesday, saying the move was part of US President Donald Trump’s efforts to put pressure on left-wing groups as part of his campaign against terrorism. Israel’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the designation.
