UN Troubled by Rough Treatment of Palestinian Protesters at US Colleges

 

Also read :UN Chief Urges Action on Human Rights

Also read :Governments aim at citizens residing outside their home country

The UN’s top human rights official, Volker Turk, has expressed concern about the harsh responses to pro-Palestinian protests at universities in the United States. Turk said the UN is “troubled by the heavy-handed steps” taken to disperse peaceful demonstrations in support of Palestinians amid ongoing conflict with Israel.

Also read :Gaza Struggles: Harsh Winter Weather Renders War-Torn Region Uninhabitable, Warns UN Official

His comments came as police arrested protesters and cleared an occupation at Columbia University in New York City. The protesters had set up tents to show solidarity with Palestinians.

Turk emphasized that freedom of expression and the right to protest peacefully are important for society. He said universities should be places for open discussion of different views. The UN official urged authorities to allow free speech and peaceful demonstrations on campuses, intervening only if protests turn violent.

Also read :Call to End Persecution: Urgent Call to Iranian Authorities Regarding Lawyers

Protesters at Columbia and elsewhere claim police used excessive force in breaking up demonstrations, as seen in some online videos. While protesters say they were exercising their rights, universities assert the encampments disrupted academics.

While acknowledging the need to maintain peace, Turk called for calm dialogue instead of confrontation. He advised schools to permit the sharing of views without resorting to force. The UN stance indicates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has migrated to US colleges, where observers will monitor police adherence to fundamental rights in handling growing student activism.