Al-Haq expresses its concern over Israel’s decision to deny the work permit of Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) Israel and Palestine Director, Omar Shakir. Israel reportedly denied the permit claiming that the organization “engaged in politics in the service of Palestinian propaganda.”^[1]

The denial of Omar’s permit and Israel’s rhetoric surrounding it are reflective of Israel’s broader discourse on and policy towards institutions, organizations, and individuals that call attention to Israel’s violations of international law. Israel routinely denies the entry or fails to respond to the entry requests of UN experts and bodies.^[2]Last year, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), MakarimWibisono, resigned due to Israel’s failure to grant him access to the OPT and his inability to fully carry out his mandate.^[3]

Israeli and Palestinian organizations and human rights defenders documenting and reporting on Israel’s violations of international law are also regularly subjected to threats, smear campaigns, and arrests by Israel while undertaking their work.^[4] The Israeli government and its officials seek an environment devoid of criticism while disregarding their duties under international human rights and humanitarian law.

Al-Haq stands with Human Rights Watch and all groups that seek to impartially report on human rights violations around the world.