Sign in Subscribe
United Nations

UN Condemns US Sanctions on Palestinian Human Rights Groups, Citing "Chilling Effect" on Civil Society

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations has denounced the US sanctions imposed on three prominent Palestinian human rights groups, calling them "completely unacceptable" and urging the US to immediately withdraw them. This move comes as the Israeli military intensifies its offensive in Gaza City, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and pushing civilians to the brink of famine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, condemned the US sanctions, stating that they will have a "chilling effect" on civil society in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and potentially worldwide.
  • The sanctions target Al-Haq group, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), and Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights for their support of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
  • The UN estimates that nearly 41,000 people have been displaced from Gaza City since August 14, with people unable to afford to move due to overcrowding and high transportation costs.
  • WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation in Gaza as a "catastrophe" that Israel could have prevented and stopped at any time, with many civilians at risk of starvation and disease.
  • Since the conflict began in October 2023, at least 370 people have died from malnutrition in Gaza, including over 300 in the past two months.

Statistics:

  • 41,000: The number of people displaced from Gaza City since August 14.
  • 370: The number of people who have died from malnutrition in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023.
  • 300: The number of people who have died from malnutrition in Gaza in the past two months.
  • 100: The number of cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome reported in the last month, including 11 deaths.
  • 7,640: The number of patients medically evacuated from Gaza.
  • 15,000: The number of people in need of urgent specialized care, including 3,800 children.
  • 700: The number of people who have died while waiting for evacuations.

Sources:

  • United Nations, "US sanctions on Palestinian human rights groups 'completely unacceptable'," UN News, [link not provided].
  • World Health Organization, "Gaza: WHO chief's condemnation of Israeli actions," WHO, [link not provided].
  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, "UN aid coordination office (OCHA) statement," OCHA, [link not provided].
  • The United Nations, "UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric press briefing," UN News, [link not provided].

Read more