Chicago February 28, 2025
A controversy erupted at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) when a video statement by Anne Bayefsky, Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, was abruptly cut off. The incident occurred during an “Interactive Dialogue” on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Bayefsky’s video statement began by referencing the tragic murder of 9-month-old baby Kfir Bibas, but was quickly interrupted by UNHRC President Jürg Lauber. Lauber cited “inappropriate language” as the reason for stopping the video, sparking accusations of censorship.
Bayefsky believes the UN “stage managed” the incident, as her video and transcript were submitted in advance. She argues that the council knew what she would say and deliberately cut her off.
This incident is not the first time the UNHRC has been accused of silencing critics of Palestinian actions. Previously, the council cut off a video presentation by UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer, who was quoting antisemitic posts by UNRWA teachers.
