Arab MKs call on UN to press Israel to annul Jewish Nation State Law

A delegation of Arab members of the Israeli parliament met with the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kate Gilmore, on Wednesday and asked her to press Israel to annul the controversial Jewish Nation State Law, Haaretz has reported.

A statement from the Knesset members explained that they told Gilmore that the law contradicts with Israel’s commitment to the international community in terms of human rights. Thus, they pointed out, there is a need for significant international measures to protect the rights of the 1.6 million Arab Israeli citizens.

The delegation included the Chairman of the High Follow-up Committee for Arab Minority Affairs, Mohammad Barakeh, Yousef Jabarin MK of the Joint List, Adalah Attorney Sawsan Zahar and Attorney Omar Khamaysi of Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights. They are also scheduled to meet with the UN Rapporteur for Minority Rights and the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The Arab MKs and members of the Follow-up Committee have held several meetings recently with international bodies, including the European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, and asked them to condemn the law and work with EU institutions towards its annulment.

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