The United Nations’ top human rights official, Volker Turk, has voiced concern over the “heavy-handed steps” taken to disperse and dismantle demonstrations supporting Palestine across US university campuses, just hours before New York police arrested and removed protesters at Columbia University.
Hundreds of police officers swept into Columbia University on Tuesday night to end the occupation of an administrative building by pro-Palestinian activists and dismantle a protest encampment, acting in response to the university president’s concerns about safety and order on campus.
Turk highlighted that in recent weeks, thousands of US university students have been protesting against the Gaza conflict, with many facing arrests or academic sanctions.
He emphasised that any restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must adhere strictly to principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights underlined that antisemitic conduct and speech were unacceptable and equally disturbing, emphasizing the need to address incitement to violence or hatred on grounds of identity or viewpoints individually, rather than through sweeping measures.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik had requested the NYPD’s assistance to clear people from Hamilton Hall and campus encampments, citing vandalism and safety concerns.
The protests, which began in April, have spread from California to Massachusetts, reflecting a nationwide movement demanding solidarity with Palestine amidst the Gaza genocide.
