The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) expresses its strongest condemnation and deep disapproval of the decision issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to impose sanctions on three of the most prominent Palestinian human rights institutions: the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and Al-Haq.

This decision represents a grave and unacceptable targeting of Palestinian civil society organizations that defend human rights, and an attempt to criminalize the legitimate role of institutions that enjoy a distinguished international reputation, maintain close cooperation with UN and regional bodies, and carry out essential responsibilities in documenting violations and holding perpetrators accountable under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

ICHR considers this measure part of repeated attempts to silence Palestinian human rights voices and restrict their work, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to hold the Israeli occupation authorities accountable before the International Criminal Court. Criminalizing Palestinian human rights work sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the entire international system for the protection of human rights.

ICHR calls on the U.S. administration to immediately reverse this unjustified decision, respect its obligations under international law, and cease attempts to obstruct the work of Palestinian human rights institutions. It also urges the international community, the United Nations system, Special Rapporteurs, and all human rights defenders to reject this unfair decision and to provide protection and support to the targeted organizations.

Defending human rights is not a crime, and targeting those who do so only serves the policies of impunity and undermines the prospects for justice.