As the sun rises over Israel, a shadow looms over civil society and human rights as two perilous bills inch towards enactment. Recently, the Knesset passed a revolutionary preliminary vote, both poised to unleash severe ramifications on human rights organisations within the nation, potentially leaving them shackled, muted and unable to advocate for justice.
The first bill introduces a staggering 80% tax on foreign governmental donations to NGOs, effectively stalling the lifeblood of many independent organisations reliant on international support. Furthermore, it bars groups predominantly funded by foreign entities from seeking court petitions unless they acquire funding from the Israeli government. Such restrictions can tie the hands of organisations striving tirelessly for human rights advocacy, isolating those who dare to voice dissent.
In juxtaposition, the second bill not only forbids any collaboration between Israeli authorities and the International Criminal Court (ICC) but also criminalises any citizens aiding the ICC in broad terms, with harsh penalties of up to five years in prison or even life sentences in extreme cases. It threatens journalists and researchers by making the dissemination of information potentially punishable, drawing a chilling line around those documenting violations of rights.
The profound implications of these legislative moves raise urgent alarms about the future of civil society in Israel. “Together, these laws present an existential threat to Israeli civil society, silencing dissenting voices and further dismantling vital human rights work,” voiced Tal Steiner, PCATI’s Executive Director, who underscores the dire implications for legal accountability amidst ongoing human rights violations.
Echoing this sentiment, Yuli Novak, Executive Director of B’Tselem, warns that these measures jeopardise human rights defence, casting a dark shadow on those committed to protecting citizens. “Simply put, the ‘ICC law’ will criminalize our work by making human rights defence a punishable offense… This time, by silencing those who wish to protect them.”
Adalah’s representative condemns these bills as an aggressive assault, aiming to silence cries for justice amidst war crimes and human rights abuses. Such measures not only threaten the existence of human rights groups but also broaden the veil of impunity over offenders.
Meanwhile, Alice Mogwe, President of FIDH, draws comparatives with oppressive regimes worldwide, noting that Israel’s measures against human rights organisations threaten to mirror those seen in Russia and Nicaragua. The orchestrated campaign against civil society symbolizes a drastic retreat from democratic values and the moral obligation to uphold justice.
Two new bills in Israel could devastate civil society and human rights work by imposing an 80% tax on foreign donations and criminalising cooperation with the ICC. The legislation aims to silence dissent and erode accountability for human rights violations, leading to an existential threat for organisations that advocate for justice and protection of rights.
In light of these developments, it becomes increasingly concerning for civil society in Israel as two bills threaten to cripple human rights organisations. By establishing hefty taxes on foreign donations and criminalising cooperation with the ICC, these laws not only aim to suppress dissent but also undermine accountability for human rights violations. The voices of advocates and defenders are at stake, symbolising a precarious future for justice in the region.
Original Source: www.fidh.org
