U.S. Visa Denial to Palestinian Officials Violates UN Treaty and Human Rights Law, Says Joseph Bonner Global Human Rights Taskforce Demands Equal Treatment for All UN Observer States

NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Joseph Bonner, President of the Global Human Rights Taskforce and Publisher of Court Magazine, today condemned the United States’ decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, calling the move a direct violation of international law and a dangerous double standard.

“If the United States refuses entry to one UN observer state, it must apply the same standard to all—including the Holy See,” Bonner said. “Selective enforcement is not diplomacy. It’s discrimination.”

Both Palestine and the Holy See (Vatican) hold non-member observer status at the United Nations. Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, the U.S. is legally obligated to allow access to all accredited representatives of UN member and observer states. Article IV, Section 11 of the agreement prohibits the U.S. from imposing impediments to transit for UN delegates.

Bonner argues that the U.S. decision to block Palestinian officials while continuing to welcome Vatican representatives constitutes a breach of treaty obligations and violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically:

• Article 19: The right to freedom of expression and access to information

• Article 21: The right to participate in public affairs

“This is not just a diplomatic snub—it’s the suppression of a people’s voice on the world stage,” Bonner said. “The UN cannot function as a platform for peace and justice if its host nation silences one observer while embracing another.”

The Global Human Rights Taskforce is calling for:

• Immediate reversal of the visa denial for Palestinian officials

• Public accountability from the U.S. State Department

• Equal treatment of all UN observer states, regardless of political alliances

  
  

Bonner warns that failure to correct this imbalance undermines the credibility of the United Nations and erodes the moral authority of the United States in global human rights advocacy.

“This is not about religion or politics—it’s about principle,” Bonner concluded. “If the U.S. wants to lead on the world stage, it must honor its legal obligations and uphold the dignity of every nation.”

About Joseph Bonner  Joseph Bonner is an internationally recognized media publisher, human rights advocate, and founder of the Global Human Rights Taskforce. Through Court Magazine, Legend Magazine, and high-impact editorial campaigns, Bonner champions justice, reform, and the elevation of marginalized voices worldwide.

Media Contact:  

Global Human Rights Taskforce

Email: info@josephbonner.com

Phone: +16197380841

Website: www.ghrtf.org