Uruguayan human rights groups demand resignation of Inddhh director

The collective ‘Uruguayan Jews against the genocide of the Palestinian people’ has called for the resignation of Marcos Israel, the director of Uruguay’s National Institute of Human Rights (Inddhh). The group accuses Israel of committing serious breaches of duty regarding his role.

During the Inddhh annual assembly on August 28, more than 20 human rights organizations expressed concerns regarding Israel’s leadership and his involvement in a working group established to address antisemitism in Uruguay. Critics argue the group's purpose is to criminalize protests against the Israeli government, criticism of Zionism, and solidarity with Palestinians.

The collective reported that attendees walked out when Israel spoke, stating the departure was due to his “recurring denial of the genocide of the Palestinian people” rather than his religious identity. They further alleged that Israel views the Jewish people as the sole victims and denies systematic human rights violations by the State of Israel against Palestinians.