Amnesty International Australia is concerned for Jillian Segal’s plan to combat antisemitism, warning that it undermines fundamental civil and political rights, stifles protest, and risks deepening community divisions.
The plan proposes sweeping, vague, and repressive measures that threaten people’s rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
The plan risks weaponising criticism of Israel and its commission of war crimes and genocide, to silence and repress rights to freedom of expression and assembly- rights that are protected under Articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
At the heart of the plan is the endorsement of the IHRA’s deeply flawed definition of antisemitism that conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel. Amnesty International rejects the IHRA definition that has been widely criticised for being used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, and its abhorrent human rights record.
The IHRA definition emboldens Governments to stifle growing opposition to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, its brutal and unlawful occupation, and its system of apartheid that is a crime against humanity.
Chillingly, the plan sets forth recommendations to defund schools, universities, charities, media outlets and cultural institutions that “facilitate, enable or fail to act against antisemitism,” meaning funding could be contingent on refraining from criticism of the Israeli Government.
Even more concerning is the proposal to appoint the Envoy as a monitor for media organisations, including the ABC and SBS to ensure “fair” and “balanced” reporting—a move that dangerously edges towards censorship of the media. This is particularly alarming in light of the ABC’s unlawful dismissal of Antoinette Lattouf for sharing a post by a human rights organisation, highlighting Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Amnesty International Australia abhors all forms of racism, including antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian racism. We strongly condemn the recent attacks on synagogues and Jewish institutions, which have understandably caused fear and concern within the Jewish community. We urge the Government to take action grounded in respect for human rights to address the root problems of racism and antisemitism, ensuring that everyone can live free from violence and discrimination.
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory’s Spokesperson says:
“Restricting freedom of expression and assembly is not a plan to combat antisemitism— it is an outrageous and blatant act of repression designed to stifle demands for human rights for Palestinians enduring genocide, occupation and apartheid. This dangerous plan is designed not to protect communities, but to shield Israel from criticism.
“There is a real risk this plan will be weaponised to censor protest and dissent, particularly against the atrocities unfolding in Gaza. Far from addressing antisemitism, it threatens activism and shuts down calls for accountability and justice.”
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory’s Spokesperson
“There is a real risk this plan will be weaponised to censor protest and dissent, particularly against the atrocities unfolding in Gaza. Far from addressing antisemitism, it threatens activism and shuts down calls for accountability and justice.
“Conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism not only undermines freedom of expression but weakens the fight against genuine antisemitism, and further fuels racial division and fear.” In 2023, Amnesty alongside 104 organisations urged the UN to reject the IHRA definition and ensure that essential efforts to combat antisemitism do not embolden or endorse policies and laws which undermine human rights.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our crisis response campaign.
