27.03.2026
We are appalled at the UK Government’s decision to renege on its previous principled position of voting against all Item 7 resolutions in the UN Human Rights Council. In the week that the UK’s Jewish community is still reeling from an antisemitic attack on ambulances in Golders Green, the Government’s abandonment of principle on antisemitism is inexcusable.
Israel, like all countries, should be held accountable for its human rights record. There is another item, Item 4, which provides for the opportunity to consider human rights in all contexts.
The notorious Item 7 makes Israel the only country in the world to have its own standing item at the UNHRC. For context, flagrant human rights abusers like Russia, North Korea, China and Iran do not have their own agenda items.
The fact that the world’s only Jewish state has its own standing agenda item is a feature of the UN’s institutional antisemitism, and it undermines the credibility of what should be a crucial institution. Importantly, systemic bias in the UN has undermined progressive forces in the Middle East who wish to pursue a secure peace.
Successive UK governments since 2018 have recognised this fact and on principle voted against any resolution tabled under Item 7, but given due consideration to any resolution, even with the same text, under Item 4. We have supported this stance.
For the Jewish community to have any confidence in the Government’s resolve on this issue, the policy of voting against all Item 7 resolutions must be maintained.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews & The Jewish Leadership Council
© The Board of Deputies of British Jews Limited, 2026 and the Jewish Leadership Council