The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) denounced in the strongest terms the heinous designations imposed by the United States on three major Palestinian human rights organisations – Al-Haq, Al Mezan, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) – all members of FIDH. At a time when Palestinians face an ongoing genocide, these measures seek to silence those documenting atrocities, fighting for justice and accountability. States must act in the strongest terms, including the EU, which needs to activate its Blocking Statute.
The new designations by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) target the financial lifelines of Al-Haq, Al Mezan, and PCHR. By freezing assets and criminalising transactions with them, the sanctions isolate the organisations, obstruct their ability to engage with partners, and stigmatise their legitimate work documenting grave violations, including before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
