Tensions Flare at UN Over Sexual Violence Report Blacklisting Israel
A United Nations meeting intended to address sexual violence in conflict zones devolved into a shouting match Friday, as Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, and Vanessa Frazier, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, clashed over Israel’s inclusion on a list detailing sexual violence by parties to conflict.
The heated exchange occurred during a U.N. session observing the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The controversy stems from a report, co-authored in part by Frazier’s office, that placed Israeli entities on a blacklist related to sexual violence. Ambassador Danon vociferously objected to the report’s findings and Frazier’s role.
Accusations Fly in Tense U.N. Debate
As Danon began to voice his objections, stating, “You caved to the pressure. You caved to the Secretary General’s obsession with targeting Israel. And in doing so,” Frazier interjected. This prompted a sharp retort from Danon, who declared, “Wait, I’m speaking now!” followed by a prolonged outburst directed at Frazier.
“No, you will be quiet, because I’m speaking now! You spoke, now I speak. You spoke, and now I’ll speak. Shame on you, you’re part of the bullying of Israel. Shame on you, you can walk out. You spoke now, I speak. You can walk out, shame on you! You’re part of this, you’re part of his obsession,” Danon stated, his voice rising.
The U.N. Secretary-General’s office had included Israeli entities in the annex of its annual Conflict-Related Sexual Violence report in May. Specifically named were the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Prison Services, and the country’s border police Counter Terrorism Unit. This action followed U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres’ assessment that these organizations were “credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other sexual violence.”
Ambassador Danon had previously denounced the U.N.’s decision, announcing a halt to relations between Israel and Guterres’ office. His office characterized the decision as a “stain,” highlighting that Israel was placed on a list alongside designated terrorist organizations.
“Israel has been placed on a blacklist alongside Hamas, ISIS, and Boko Haram. This is a moral disgrace that will be remembered as one of the darkest stains on António Guterres’ legacy,” a statement from Danon’s office asserted.
Calls for Resignation and Defense of Actions
During the Friday meeting, Danon also called for the resignation of Pramila Patten, the U.N. Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Under-Secretary-General. When Frazier appeared to attempt a defense of Patten, Danon pushed back, pointing out that Patten was not present at the session.
“Ms. Patten was invited here, she chose not to be here. You will allow me to finish my words. Shameful. You are part of this shameful behavior. You are a part of it. Shame on you. Shame on you,” Danon exclaimed.
Danon continued to assert his right to speak, stating, “I will speak and you will be quiet. You work for the U.N. and you will respect the rule of the U.N. Respect the rule. We will not allow you to bully us. We are a member state, and you work for the U.N., and you will be quiet now. You will be quiet. Shameful. You and your shameful report. We know why you took this position. We will not let you be part of this shameful campaign. I will finish my words. If you don’t want to listen, go out.”
The ambassador argued that Israel had cooperated with the U.N. and that the organization had failed to conduct an independent review of evidence or provide Israel a fair chance to respond to the allegations. He accused Patten of lending credibility to what he described as a politically motivated campaign against Israel.
“If verifying the facts is not Ms. Patten’s responsibility, then what exactly is her responsibility?” Danon questioned. “You knew Israel had cooperated. You knew you had not reviewed the evidence yourself. Yet you chose to stand behind this falsehood. You should have said no. You should have resigned. You tried to stain Israel’s name. But the stain is not on Israel. The stain is on you,” he stated during the U.N. meeting.
Following the contentious exchange, Danon’s office indicated plans to file a formal complaint with the U.N. regarding Frazier’s interruptions during the meeting. Inquiries to spokespersons for Patten and Frazier for comment were not immediately answered.
