Protesters demonstrate outside the campus of Columbia University in New York.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk issued a statement today expressing dismay at the recent series of heavy-handed law enforcement measures taken on US university campuses to disperse and dismantle protests.
In recent weeks, thousands of students at colleges and universities across the country have protested against the war in Gaza. In recent days, there have been large-scale demonstrations on campuses in other countries.
Türk said many of the protests were carried out undisturbed and continued, however, in some locations, protests were dispersed or cleared by security forces, and hundreds of students were arrested. Many of these arrested students have since been released, but some are still facing charges or school sanctions.
Türk stressed that freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are essential to a society, especially when there are serious divisions on major issues as a whole, as is the case with the current conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.
Enforcement actions are subject to scrutiny
He further noted that actions taken by some U.S. university authorities and law enforcement officials to restrict such expression need to be scrutinized to ensure that such measures do not exceed what is necessary, i.e., to protect the rights and freedoms of others, or for other legitimate purposes, such as maintaining public health or order.
"I am concerned that some enforcement actions appear to have a disproportionate impact across a number of universities," he added. ”
Beware of incitement to violence or hatred
Türk also stressed that anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric are totally unacceptable and deeply disturbing, while anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian acts and rhetoric are equally reprehensible.
"Incitement to violence or hatred based on identity or opinion, whether it has been acted upon or has shown signs of, should be rejected altogether," he added. We have seen how dangerous rhetoric can quickly lead to real violence. ”
Don't "one size fits all" response
Türk said U.S. colleges and universities have a long history of launching student movements, organizing heated debates, and defending freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, but it must be clear that "the lawful exercise of freedom of expression cannot be confused with incitement to violence and hatred."
At the same time, however, he believes that such incitement to violence and hatred can and must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, in which unacceptable views originating from a minority are attributed to all those who participate in the protests.
Comply with human rights standards and principles
He stressed that, as elsewhere, the response of universities and law enforcement on campus needs to be guided by human rights law, not only to allow for lively debate, but also to protect safe spaces for all.
Türk concluded by reiterating that any restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must strictly follow the principles of "legality, necessity and proportionality". He also added that those criteria must be applied indiscriminately.
