B'Tselem awarded the 2014 Stockholm Human Rights Award

[Jefferson23]

Published:
14 Sep 2014

The International Legal Assistance Consortium, the Swedish Bar Association and the International Bar Association announced today that the 2014 Stockholm Human Rights Award will be presented to the Israeli human rights organization B´Tselem.

The Stockholm Human Rights Award was established in 2009, and is awarded annually to an individual or an institution for outstanding contributions to the rule of law and the promotion and protection of human rights.

In a statement released this morning the groups said:

The work of human rights defenders to uphold international human rights law across the world is essential, and no more so than when working in an environment where the host government may be hostile to criticism. Promoting human rights standards from inside one’s country requires an unwavering willingness to endure criticism from within, regardless of potential repercussions. Maintaining integrity and dignity is at the core of human rights defense. B’Tselem has shone international light on human rights violations in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, providing a voice to victims and calling for accountability. It is commendable that B’Tselem has so tirelessly fought to uphold human rights in an environment where its criticism has not always been welcome.

It is for this reason that B’Tselem has been awarded the 2014 Stockholm Human Rights Award. B’Tselem is one of those unique organizations that work tirelessly to promote human rights standards while fighting against a majority voice.

B'Tselem Executive Director Hagai El-Ad said following the announcement: "B'Tselem is proud and delighted to receive this important acknowledgement of its work, and will continue to do its utmost to justify it". The award will be presented in Stockholm later this year.

http://www.btselem.org/releases/20140914__stockholm_award

[oberliner]

1. Another reason why it is moronic to boycott Israel

Some of the most respected human rights organizations are Israeli human rights organizations.

[Jefferson23]

3. The reason people support boycotts of Israel is because their leadership is not held

to account no matter the quality of B'Tselem's work.

[Israeli]

4. They dont get much respect under this Gov oberliner....

Draft bill: NGOs with foreign funding to be defined 'foreign agents'

Right-wing MKs say organizations operate with a lack of transparency, Israeli public does not benefit from their activity.

By Jonathan Lis

A new draft bill calls for increased supervision of non-government organizations or Israelis who receive funding from foreign countries, and defining them as “foreign agents.” Under the bill, contributions from other countries to these organizations will be taxed and the NGOs will be required to submit regular reports to Israel. In addition, every NGO will be required to publicize, alongside its logo on official documents, that it serves as a “foreign agent.”

The bill was initiated by MKs Ayelet Shaked (Habayit Hayehudi), Robert Ilatov (Yisrael Beitenu) and Yariv Levin (Likud), and constitutes another attempt to promote legislation that will limit the ability of human rights organizations operating in Israel to receive funding for their activity.

“There are dozens of organizations active in Israel that receive funding from foreign government entities in exchange for the organization’s promise to promote the interests of these entities, or of those who are not Israeli citizens,” wrote the three in their preamble to the bill. “As of today, these organizations have no obligation of proper disclosure, in which they have to present themselves as clearly representing foreign interests that do not accord with Israeli interests.”

The MKs said that “these organizations operate with a lack of transparency regarding the objectives of their activity and under the cover of organizations working to promote Israeli interests. They are presently entitled to a tax exemption, although the Israeli public does not benefit from their activity.”

The bill proposes creating a mechanism that defines an organization that is funded by a foreign political entity, due to its obligation to promote the interests of that entity or of people who are not Israeli citizens, as a foreign agent of that country. According to the proposal the organization will be obligated to exercise proper disclosure and transparency. In addition, the foreign funding received by these organizations will no longer enjoy a tax exemption, as has been the case until now.

Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheimer criticized the initiative. “Ayelet Shaked and Robert Ilatov have joined the recycling trend and have also decided to recycle garbage. Their draft bill is full of lies and distortions, and has no resemblance to the situation in the United States or in any other democratic country. The entire purpose of the proposal is to incite and delegitimize the peace camp,” said Oppenheimer.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.592754

[King_David]

2. Congratulations

It's good the award is going to an Israeli organization . Good the money will be in the Israeli economy too .


Win win win for all