Israel says inclusion on UN list 'absurd'

Associated Press

Updated Apr 30, 2012 15:13

JERUSALEM

Israel's Foreign Ministry has criticized a U.N. statement that places the country on a list of nations it says are moving to further restrict advocacy and rights groups.

Spokesman Yigal Palmor on Monday called Israel's inclusion on the list "absurd."

The office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights issued the statement last week.

It criticized an Israeli law requiring groups to report more rigorously on funding from foreign governments.

The law's supporters say Israel has a right to know who funds groups that oppose its policies. Rights activists say the law targets dovish groups.

"The Human Rights Commission is saying that reporting and disclosing funding is tantamount to total repression," Palmor said.

The statement also lists Egypt, Belarus, Venezuela, Algeria and Ethiopia.