American censored by UN Human Rights Council, accused of using ‘disrespectful language’

UN Human Rights Council Silences NGO Director for Highlighting Palestinian Terror Against Israelis

In a shocking display of selective censorship, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) abruptly cut off a video statement by Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, during an "Interactive Dialogue" session. The incident occurred as Bayefsky began to address the council about the tragic fate of two Israeli babies, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who were brutally murdered by Palestinian terrorists. Bayefsky’s statement was halted just seconds after she referred to the perpetrators as "Palestinian savages," with the council’s president, Jürg Lauber, deeming her language "inappropriate" and exceeding "the limits of tolerance and respect."

Bayefsky had submitted her video statement in advance, as required by UNHRC protocols, and accused the UN of "stage-managing" the incident. She argued that the council had prior knowledge of her remarks and intentionally silenced her to avoid accountability for its own failures in addressing Palestinian terrorism and antisemitism. Bayefsky told Fox News Digital that her censorship was not just about her choice of words but about the UN’s broader war against free speech, particularly when it comes to criticizing its own complicity in antisemitism.

Bayefsky’s Video Statement and the UN’s Reaction

Bayefsky’s video began with a powerful condemnation of the murders of the Bibas babies, emphasizing the horror of their deaths and the UN’s responsibility for enabling such violence through its silence and bias. However, her statement was cut off almost immediately, with Lauber intervening to object to her language. Despite briefly allowing the video to continue, the council ultimately shut it down entirely, claiming that Bayefsky’s words were unacceptable. Bayefsky, however, maintained that her language was justified, given the gravity of the atrocities she was addressing. She also pointed out that other speakers during the same session were allowed to level unfounded accusations against Israel, such as claims of "genocide" and "torture," without any interruption or objection from the council.

In her full statement, which was shared with Fox News Digital, Bayefsky sharply criticized UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, calling him the "High Commissioner for Human Wrongs" and accusing him of having "the blood of Jewish innocents on his hands." She blamed Türk for perpetuating antisemitism and terrorism by equating Hamas’ attacks with Israel’s defensive actions in a statement issued on October 7, 2023. Bayefsky’s critique of Türk’s moral equivalency and his failure to hold Palestinian terrorists accountable apparently struck a nerve, leading to her censorship.

The Double Standard at the UN Human Rights Council

The incident has sparked outrage over the UNHRC’s blatant double standard in addressing human rights issues. While Bayefsky was silenced for her blunt language, other speakers were allowed to make baseless and inflammatory accusations against Israel without any repercussions. For example, Qatar accused Israel of being a "torturer," using "collective punishment," and attempting "to impose Judaism" in the West Bank and Gaza—claims that were not challenged by the council. Similarly, Defense for Children International, a Palestinian NGO, alleged that Israeli soldiers "can kill Palestinian children with impunity," again without providing evidence or facing censorship.

Bayefsky highlighted this hypocrisy, pointing out that while she was censored for speaking the truth about Palestinian terrorism, the council allowed unfettered dialogue filled with hate speech and falsehoods against Israel. She emphasized that the UN’s tolerance of such rhetoric fosters a toxic environment that incites further violence and hatred, rather than promoting peace and justice.

The Broader Implications for Free Speech and Antisemitism

Bayefsky’s censorship has far-reaching implications for free speech at the UN and beyond. She described the incident as part of a larger pattern of censorship targeting NGOs that criticize the UN’s antisemitism and bias against Israel. Bayefsky argued that the UN’s actions are not harmless but amount to a "war" against Jews, Americans, and free speech itself. By silencing critics, the UN undermines its credibility as a champion of human rights and instead becomes complicit in the very injustices it claims to oppose.

The incident has also reignited calls for the U.S. to withhold funding from the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). While the U.S. withdrew from the UNHRC during the Trump administration, it continues to fund the OHCHR, which Bayefsky described as a "kingdom" of anti-Israel and antisemitic activism. She urged Americans to recognize that their tax dollars are indirectly supporting an institution that enables hatred and terrorism, and to demand accountability.

The UN’s Response and the Ongoing Debate

The UN OHCHR has not directly addressed Bayefsky’s allegations, with spokesperson Pascal Sim deferring to Lauber’s remarks during the session. However, Bayefsky’s critiques have resonated with many who view the UNHRC as a dysfunctional and biased institution. Lawmakers in the U.S. have echoed her concerns, with some calling for a complete withdrawal of American funding and participation from the UNHRC.

The debate over UN funding and reform is not new, but Bayefsky’s case has brought renewed attention to the issue. Critics argue that the UNHRC’s consistent anti-Israel bias and its failure to address genuine human rights crises worldwide—such as the persecution of Uyghurs in China or the atrocities in Syria—undermine its legitimacy. For many, the censorship of Bayefsky is just the latest example of the UN’s warped priorities and its abandonment of its founding principles.

A Call to Action for Accountability and Reform

Anne Bayefsky’s silenced statement at the UNHRC has become a symbol of the larger struggle for truth, accountability, and free speech in international institutions. By cutting her off, the UN sent a clear message: criticizing Palestinian terrorism or holding UN officials accountable for their complicity in antisemitism is unacceptable. Meanwhile, baseless accusations against Israel and incitement to violence are not only tolerated but often amplified within the council.

Bayefsky’s courage in speaking out has inspired calls for reform and accountability, both within the UN and from external stakeholders. For the UN to regain its credibility as a defender of human rights, it must address its systemic bias and ensure that all voices, including those that challenge its narratives, are heard. Until then, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the UN’s failure to uphold the principles of justice and equality it purports to champion.