David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I draw the attention of the House to the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council. The United States has a point when it suggests that many of those on the council, including its chair, are from countries that are notorious human rights abusers. It would be much better if the United States remained on the council and tried to reform from the inside. It is not unrelated that this comes at a time when the United States is barbarously mistreating parents and children along the Mexican border. The latter is extremely regrettable. It is notable that four First Ladies, including President Trump's wife, have criticised this measure. It is also significant that the US cites criticism of Israel as one of the reasons for its withdrawal. Criticism of Israel is perfectly appropriate. More sinisterly, the Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy has issued a report that attacks organisations in this country such as Trócaire and suggests that they have ties to terror and to boycotts against Israel. The report says that directly and, indirectly, that said organisations are misusing money. Clearly, the Israeli Government is involved in a very aggressive policy to try to discredit NGOs who stand up for the human rights of the Palestinian people. It must be fought back against and denounced. This is all very much in step with the American Administration's decision to withhold funding from United Nations Relief and Works Agencyy, UNRWA, earlier this year. It is all part of a diplomatic attempt by the Israelis to divert attention from the gross human rights abuses in which they are involved in Gaza.