UN condemns Trump administration’s designation of Palestine action as terrorist group

The UN Human Rights Office said on Thursday that the Trump administration’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation imposes disproportionate and unnecessary restrictions on freedom of expression.

The office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the designation “appears to be both a disproportionate and unnecessary ⁠restriction on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as well as the right ​to participate in public affairs,”  

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It added that the expanded use of the term “terrorism” has a negative impact on civic space.

Washington designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation on Wednesday, saying the move was part of US President Donald Trump’s efforts to put pressure on left-wing groups as part of his campaign against terrorism. Israel’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the designation.

Britain had previously banned Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, a move also condemned by Turk’s office, while UK courts are still due to rule on its legality. The group has targeted Israel-linked defence companies, including Elbit Systems, and was banned after activists damaged two Royal Air Force military aircraft at Brize Norton in June 2025. The ban sparked protests in which around 3,000 people were arrested.

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