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)
  • 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)
  • 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)