Attorney General’s Response to Cancelation of ACRI/Education Ministry Conference

On December 12, 2017 Attorney General Avichai Mandelblitt responded to an inquiry by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), following a decision by Education Minister Naftali Bennet two weeks ago to cancel an ACRI-Education Ministry Conference. In his response the Attorney General sided with ACRI, stating that withdrawing Education Ministry participation from the conference was unacceptable, and that the work of civil society organizations in general, and ACRI in particular, is of great importance. He also noted the importance of dialogue between civil society organizations and government authorities.

 

“The Association for Civil Rights in Israel is a veteran civil society organization, that has been active for decades in promoting the protection of human rights for all. The organization operates in a wide range of areas, and its activities have contributed and still contribute significantly to protecting human rights in Israel. The prime evidence for that is that the conference in question deals with labor rights, an issue that no person disputes its importance” the Attorney General stated in reference to ACRI activities.

 

The Attorney General regarded the Minister’s plan to examine continued collaboration with ACRI, and suggested that he reconsider. If the minister insists on going through with his decision, the Attorney General advised that the process be carried out in consultation with legislative bodies in the Justice Ministry; if necessary the Attorney General will intervene directly.

 

Attorney Sharon Abraham-Weiss, CEO of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel: In his response the Attorney General stated that the Education Ministry’s withdrawal an ACRI conference is unacceptable. ACRI will continue to collaborate with the education system, as we have done for decades, with various Education Ministers. We do so in order to support education on democracy and human rights, which is now more essential than ever.

To read the letter in English, click here

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Categories: Democracy and Civil Liberties, Human Rights Education, Human Rights Education Programs

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