Ankara: A senior official at Human Rights Watch (HRW) has resigned, expressing concern over the organization's decision to halt the publication of a report on the Palestinian right of return. Omar Shakir, who served as the rights group's Israel-Palestine director, stated that the decision sets a "very worrying precedent" and raises questions about HRW's commitment to its founding principles.
According to Anadolu Agency, Shakir stepped down after HRW's leadership blocked the release of a fully vetted report that described Israel's denial of Palestinian refugees' right of return as a crime against humanity. Shakir explained that the report had undergone the necessary review procedures within the New York-based organization and was ready for release. However, it was pulled without a factual or legal basis on the eve of publication.
Alongside Shakir, assistant researcher Milena Ansari also resigned in protest. The resignations coincide with the beginning of Philippe Bolopion's tenure as HRW's new executive director, whom Shakir cited as responsible for blocking the report. Shakir emphasized that this decision by the new leadership poses significant concerns about HRW's adherence to its work principles.
The report in question characterizes Israel's longstanding refusal to allow Palestinian refugees to return to their homes as a crime against humanity, referencing the 1948 war events known as the Nakba. Shakir highlighted the right of return as a fundamental principle of international law, supported by human rights treaties and the International Court of Justice. He noted that the crime against humanity determination aligns with HRW's previous findings in similar contexts.
Despite Shakir's insistence that the report's methodology is consistent with other HRW publications, the organization's leadership did not permit revisions or resubmission. Shakir expressed disappointment over HRW's lack of written explanation for halting the report, suggesting that the concerns were primarily legal.
Israeli officials and supporters have historically opposed the Palestinian right of return, citing demographic and identity concerns for the Jewish-majority state. Shakir stated that these objections influenced internal discussions within HRW, with some concerns related to the focus on displacements following recent conflicts rather than historical events.
Shakir argued that the report offered an opportunity to pursue justice for refugees, highlighting HRW's belief that its publication might pose risks to the organization. The internal dispute underscores tensions within major rights groups facing scrutiny over their reporting on Palestine, particularly during recent conflicts in Gaza.
HRW, in a statement to Anadolu, acknowledged the resignation of two colleagues involved with the draft report. The organization emphasized that further analysis is needed to ensure the research meets HRW's high standards and confirmed its ongoing commitment to research and advocacy on Israel-Palestine.