The US Government & Twitter Must do More to Counter Antisemitism

In light of the recent surge in antisemitic rhetoric, messages and memes, Amnesty International USA reiterates its condemnation of antisemitism in the strongest possible terms and demands action to counter antisemitism by the US government, Twitter and other social media companies.

Antisemitism is hatred. It attacks the rights and well-being of Jews around the world and the very notion of universal human rights. The right to be free from discrimination is a fundamental principle of human rights law, and all governments are obliged to combat discrimination in all its forms.

Antisemitism is the most commonly reported anti-religious hate crime in the United States, which is a crisis we must work to end. We must hold accountable — in our personal interactions, in our workplaces, in our communities, and in our activism — those who commit, encourage or acquiesce in such abuse against Jewish people, whenever and wherever it is inflicted.

The US government has a duty under international law to protect people from discrimination and incitement to violence based on identity. Twitter and other social media companies have a similar obligation. The US government, Twitter and other social media companies are failing in this regard.

US government officials at all levels should speak out forcefully against antisemitism. And they should pass comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and ensure that all laws aimed at combatting antisemitism and other forms of discrimination are in compliance with Article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits “advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.”

Twitter and other social media companies should ensure that their policies and practices also comply with Article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Now, more than ever, Twitter needs to focus on further developing and supporting its content moderation systems and teams. A Twitter that tolerates antisemitism or any kind of hate is not only in violation of its human rights responsibilities, but also undermines the civil discourse that the platform says it supports.

We stand in solidarity with all who are targeted for their identity, and we reiterate our commitment to building a world in which every person can enjoy the full range of their human rights, free from hatred and discrimination.