In an effort to safeguard universities as spaces that foster freedom of expression, debate and independent thought, Amnesty International Australia supports University of Sydney staff as they meet this week to oppose the outrageous adoption of a dangerous definition of antisemitism.
Already adopted by over 30 Australian universities in February, the IHRA definition has shamefully served as a weapon to silence student activism and stifle legitimate criticism of Israel through unfounded accusations of antisemitism.
The University of Sydney’s adoption of this definition has already threatened fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, academic freedom, the right to protest and open debate.
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson, says, “Policing freedom of speech, academic debate, and protest is an outrageous and blatant act of repression in the very institutions where freedom of thought and academia should flourish.
“The adoption of this dangerous definition has already been used to silence students and staff alike, suppress protest, and shut down criticism of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, the unlawful, brutal military occupation as well as the crime against humanity of apartheid.”
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson
The adoption of this dangerous definition has already been used to silence students and staff alike, suppress protest, and shut down criticism of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, the unlawful, brutal military occupation as well as the crime against humanity of apartheid.”
This definition of antisemitism tramples on fundamental rights to protest and freedom of expression and opinion that are protected under Articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Its adoption has already resulted in unnecessary and unjust disciplinary measures against students who have spoken out against Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, representing a grave assault on academic freedom and free speech.
University of Sydney’s Staff for Palestine will convene to challenge the imposition of this definition, which wrongly frames criticism of Israel as antisemitic. Staff will raise the threat this poses to academic and intellectual freedom, and the critical function of universities as spaces for open debate and protest. They will also stress that no single form of racism should receive exceptional treatment through standalone definitions, reaffirming the importance of a consistent and inclusive approach to combating all forms of racism.
“We stand in full solidarity with University of Sydney staff in their crucial effort to protect universities as vital spaces for academic freedom and open debate…Student activism is the lifeblood of human rights struggles, and universities should champion it, not crush it.”
Mohamed Duar
“We stand in full solidarity with University of Sydney staff in their crucial effort to protect universities as vital spaces for academic freedom and open debate,” says Mr. Duar.
“Historically, student protests have been at the centre of fundamental human rights movements, from the fight for civil rights in the USA and justice for First Nations in Australia to the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa and opposition to the Iraq war. Student activism is the lifeblood of human rights struggles, and universities should champion it, not crush it.
Universities exist to foster critical thought, open dialogue and debate, and academic freedom. Amnesty International Australia urgently calls on the University of Sydney to heed the concerns of its staff, reject repression and uphold their duty to protect freedom of expression and protest.”
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