Motion no: 39
Despite growing world recognition of the mass violations of Palestinian human rights by the Israeli State, in breach of countless UN resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention, the plight of the Palestinian people remains one of being subject to apartheid, colonialism and occupation.
This Conference applauds however the rapid growth of the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in solidarity with the call of Palestinian civil society, including all sections of the Palestinian trade union movement, to take peaceful protest action similar to that which helped to bring about the downfall of the apartheid regime in South Africa. We recognise the significant contribution shown by the Executive Council, by ICTU Global Solidarity, by Trade Union Friends of Palestine and by individual affiliates in this regard We commend the organisation of the Dublin Castle conference in 2010, the protest against the accession of Israel to the OECD, and the public protest in response to the slaughter of human rights activists on board the Mavi Marmara as they attempted to breach the siege of Gaza. We also commend Congress for the production of publicity and educational materials highlighting and promoting ICTU policy In order to further our campaign of standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people conference calls on ICTU to: Organise with TUFP an initiative involving all relevant sectors of Irish civil society including the churches and in particular those organisations and individuals that have a public position of supporting BDS, with the aim of launching and coordinating a mass Irish civil society BDS campaign Organise through its education a programme of divestment and sanctions seminars in both jurisdictions to inform ICTU affiliates of the most effective and legal means to promote both Declare the support of Congress for the courage and commitment of all those involved in the Free Gaza campaign, and to encourage affiliates to materially support and if possible to participate in the attempts made by land and sea to breach the siege of Gaza and bring humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
