The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) recently censored Anne Bayefsky, Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, during an interactive dialogue session. Bayefsky’s video statement was interrupted and ultimately cut off by Council President Jürg Lauber, who deemed her language “inappropriate.”
The incident occurred during a session addressing the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Bayefsky began her statement by referencing the tragic deaths of 9-month-old Kfir Bibas and his family, stating, “”The world now knows Palestinian savages murdered 9-month-old baby Kfir.” Lauber immediately halted the video, objecting to the term “savages.” Despite allowing the video to resume briefly, he ultimately terminated it, asserting that the language used “exceeds clearly the limits of tolerance and respect.”
Bayefsky contends that the UNHRC’s actions reflect a broader issue of censorship, particularly against those highlighting antisemitism. She noted that her statement, submitted in advance as required, was deliberately censored, suggesting a premeditated effort to suppress her message. Bayefsky commented to Fox News, saying, “It’s a total farce. There is no free speech at the U.N. for any NGO that calls out U.N. antisemitism. This is not harmless censorship. This is a war that the U.N. has declared against Jews, against Americans, and against free speech.”
Critics have pointed out a perceived double standard within the UNHRC. During the same session, representatives from countries like Qatar accused Israel of “collective punishment” and attempting “to impose Judaism” in certain territories—statements that were not interrupted or challenged by the council. This disparity raises concerns about the council’s impartiality and commitment to free speech.
In response to the incident, Bayefsky has called for the United States to reconsider its funding to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), arguing that American contributions support what she perceives as institutionalized antisemitism within the UN. She emphasized that the censorship experienced is not an isolated event but indicative of a broader, systemic issue within the organization.
