Foreign Minister concerned about listing of Palestinian organisations as terrorist organisations

‘We are very concerned about Israel’s decision to list six Palestinian civil society organisations as terrorist organisations. Norway was not informed of this decision in advance. We are in contact with the Israeli authorities about this matter. We are also in close contact with the UN and other donors. Serious allegations have been made, and these will be followed up by Norway,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

Three of the Palestinian organisations concerned – Al-Haq, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) and Defense for Children International - Palestine (DCIP) – receive funding from Norway, either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from our partners, Norwegian People’s Aid and Save the Children Norway.

‘This decision will shrink the already limited space for civil society engagement in Palestine, in particular the space for human rights work. The impact will be especially severe for vulnerable groups such as women, children and poor farmers,’ Ms Huitfeldt said. 

Human rights organisations in Palestine report on violations of human rights by the Israeli and Palestinian authorities and receive support from a number of international donors. Previous reviews of the organisations in question carried out by various donors have not uncovered any evidence to suggest involvement in terrorist activities.