Supporting Palestinian Solidarity What is the issue? The Israeli genocide on Palestinians has been going on since 1948: that's just over 70 years. Since October this year, at least 32,333 people in Gaza have been killed including more than 13,000 children and 9000 women until now (26th March 2024). 1.1 million people projected to face catastrophic levels to food insecurity. 1.7 million internally displaced people in Gaza.
Only around 24% of primary health care facilities are functional, 265000 people facing crisis levels of food insecurity. 625000 students with no access to education, 5479 students and 261 teachers have been killed. It is, therefore, safe to say that this conflict has gone on for far too long and killed far too many people.
Amnesty International, a prominent human rights organisation, claims that, in 2020, Israel "displaced hundreds of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied West Bank" and that it "killed 31 Palestinians, including nine children, in the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territories]; many were unlawfully killed while posing no imminent threat to life." Isn't it clear, then, that Palestinians are being dragged away from their homes, murdered by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), and subjected to terrible violence? Sadly, this is all too common, and it is happening right now.
The issue, therefore, concerns the human rights abuses that the IDF engages in daily. It further concerns the building of illegal settlements on Palestinian land, which continue to this day: “on Oct. 27, the [Israeli] Civil Administration advanced plans for the construction of 3,000 new housing units in the settlements [in the West Bank].” This concerns the rights of Palestinians who, for so long, have been forced to live precarious lives and make decisions that no person should ever have to make. It concerns what we can do, in the University of Birmingham guild of students, to raise awareness of the Palestinian plight and help their cause.
The ICJ found it plausible that Israel’s acts could amount to genocide and issued six provisional measures, ordering Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocidal acts, including preventing and punishing incitement to genocide, ensuring aid and services reach Palestinians under siege in Gaza, and preserving evidence of crimes committed in Gaza. UN experts expressed alarm over credible allegations of egregious human rights violations to which Palestinian women and girls continue to be subjected in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. “We are particularly distressed by reports that Palestinian women and girls in detention have also been subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, such as being stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers. At least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual violence,” the experts said. Why is this important to the student body and the Guild of Students?
The University of Birmingham prides itself on its diverse student body and its commitment to global issues. However, many Palestinian students on campus and others with Palestinian relatives and friends strongly feel that they have been shun. The recognition of the cause for Palestinian liberation would thus assure these students that we welcome and support students from contexts, and that we believe in human rights for all. The university’s response to the genocide has resulted in many students being concerned and distressed. That is the first reason why this issue, and this proposal, is so important to students. By taking a stance on these issues, the Guild of Students can demonstrate its commitment to human rights, social justice, and the welfare of its students. Moreover, this aligns with the broader values of the academic community and sets a precedent for ethical conduct and responsibility.
Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind”. The set of 30 human rights is universal by nature. It is even included in the title. The Declaration also includes items such as Article 3, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of person”; Article 9, “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile”; and Article 13.1, “Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State.” Therefore, if universal human rights are to truly be universal, we as a Students’ Union must do our part to ensure that Palestinian rights can be realised, and that Israel face justice for the crimes committed.
Proposed solution:
1. Recognition and Solidarity: • Recognise the rights of Palestinians to self-determination by recognising the state of Palestine and express solidarity with those affected by the conflict. This can include hosting events, workshops, and lectures that educate and raise awareness among the student body. • Work with students to organise peaceful action in support of the State of Palestine and its people.
2. Boycott and Divestment: • Call for the University of Birmingham to sever any existing relationships and academic ties with any institutions and organisations complicit in violating Palestinian rights. • Demand the University to divest from companies involved in the arms trade that contribute to the perpetuation of conflict and violence, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
3. Academic and Cultural Boycott: • Encourage academic departments and student societies to refrain from collaborating with arms traders and institutions complicit in human rights abuses. • Promote cultural and academic boycotts as peaceful means to pressure for change and respect for human rights. • Pressure the university to end their ties with Reichman university in their student exchange program and Hebrew university of Jerusalem as stated on their website.
4. Support for Students: • Offer support to students affected by the conflict through counselling services, financial aid, and academic accommodations.