UN Experts Urge US to Grant Visas to Palestinian Leaders

Strategic Insights -

UN experts have called on the United States to lift the suspension of visitor visas for Palestinian nationals and grant Palestinian leaders visas ahead of the UN General Assembly in September. The experts argue that the US has a long tradition of allowing access to the UN headquarters as a neutral meeting place for peaceful dialogue and that excluding foreign leaders undermines this mission. The US Secretary of State announced that the US would deny and revoke visas for officials of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority until their organizations "repudiate terrorism." However, the experts claim that this measure violates the United States' international obligation to respect the right of individuals invited by the UN to travel to UN headquarters.

Key Takeaways:

  • UN experts have urged the US to grant visas to Palestinian leaders ahead of the UN General Assembly in September, citing the US's long tradition of allowing access to the UN headquarters.
  • The US Secretary of State has announced the suspension of visitor visas for officials of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority.
  • The experts argue that this measure violates the United States' international obligation to respect the right of individuals invited by the UN to travel to UN headquarters.
  • The exclusion of Palestinian officials interferes with upcoming debates at the General Assembly that advance the Palestinian right of self-determination under international law.
  • The PLO and PA are not responsible for Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, and attempts to blame them must be rejected.
  • The US has not denied visas to any Israeli officials accused of international crimes.
  • The International Criminal Court is investigating allegations of international crimes by Israeli and Palestinian individuals.
  • The US has unlawfully imposed sanctions on a number of people associated with the International Criminal Court.

Statistics:

  • 1947: The United Nations Headquarters Agreement is signed, requiring that visas "shall be granted" by the United States.
  • 1974: ThePalestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is recognised as entitled to participate in the General Assembly upon invitation.
  • 2012: The General Assembly recognises the State of Palestine as an observer State.
  • 2023: Hamas launches attacks on October 7.
  • 2024: The International Court of Justice declares Israel's occupation of Palestine to be illegal.
  • 2025: The General Assembly sets a deadline for Israel to end its occupation of Palestine.
  • 2024-present: The International Criminal Court investigates allegations of international crimes by Israeli and Palestinian individuals.

Sources:

  • [Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]