Elver's writing includes references to the "Jewish lobby" and admiration for 9/11 conspiracy fans. In 2007, in a paper she co-authored with her husband, she accused Israel of "genocide" and compared Israelis to "Nazis." In 2014 she wrote an Al-Jazeera article on Israel practicing "water apartheid" against the Palestinians.
At the Council's meeting on May 8, 2014 prior to her formal appointment, the President gave the members of the Council - which include the United States - an opportunity to comment, object and call for a vote. Not one member state objected to Elver's appointment and her tenure was approved by consensus.
Several hours after the meeting ended, however, the United States UN mission in Geneva issued a press release complaining about Elver's appointment - to which they had agreed without a peep a few hours before. Here is their media note for public consumption:
- "The United States again expresses its concern on today's appointment of Hilal Elver by the UN Human Rights Council to be the new Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. Ms. Elver's lack of relevant experience in this area raises questions about her readiness for this assignment. In addition, several of Ms. Elver's previous publications include biased and inflammatory views regarding the United States and the state of Israel. These views run counter to the dispassionate professionalism central to the work of a Special Rapporteur. Furthermore, this appointment could reflect negatively on the Council's other special procedures mandates, most of which produce crucial work that highlights, promotes, and protects human rights around the world. Notwithstanding these concerns, the United States hopes Ms. Elver will use this position to take a constructive approach to addressing the complex challenges of global food security and nutrition."
