By, Jessica Elgot
1 min read
ByJessica Elgot, Jessica Elgot
David Cameron has instructed the UK’s Permanent Representative in Geneva to raise concerns with the UN Human Rights council over an antisemitic cartoon posted on a human rights advisor’s blog.
In a letter this week to MPs David Burrowes and Theresa Villiers, the Prime Minister said he “strongly condemned” the cartoon, showing a dog wearing a kippah and urinating, posted on the personal blog of US academic Richard Falk, a UN Special Rapporteur.
The two MPs had previously written to Mr Cameron, raising their concerns about Mr Falk when the issue first arose in July.
Mr Cameron said he would “continue to closely watch any further actions of comments Mr Falk may make.”
Both MPs welcomed the prime minister's response. Ms Villiers said: “I welcome the response and assurances from David Cameron condemning this disgraceful cartoon. It was astounding that someone with serious responsibilities at the UN should be responsible for this very unfortunate episode.
"Mr Falk should have resigned from the UN Human Rights Council in light of the fact that the cartoon expressed clear antisemitic sentiments, offensive to Jews and American citizens alike. It shows appallingly bad judgement from someone in a highly influential position.”
Mr Burrowes said: “I am reassured by the Prime Minister’s response which confirms the need to condemn such appalling antisemitic behaviour. If Mr Falk was being responsible he would resign immediately. No apology can mitigate the stain left on the UNHRC by his offensive blog.”
“We must be ever vigilant to stamp out antisemitism wherever it is found.”
Mr Falk has previously apologised for posting the cartoon.