STUC Congress will today debate whether to support boycott, disinvestments and sanctions against Israel until it complies with international laws and agreed principles of human rights.
Following extensive debate and deliberation, the STUC’s General Council will present a report to Congress outlining why it believes that Scottish trade unionists should support a boycott and disinvest from Israeli companies, call for sanctions against Israel, and encourage positive investments in the Occupied Territories.
Speaking prior to the debate, STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith, said: “The STUC General Council is recommending support for boycott and calls for sanctions against Israel because of its attacks on the human rights of Palestinian people and its breaches of international laws.
Mr Smith continued: “On our recent visit to Israel and Palestine we witnessed the human rights violations experienced by ordinary Palestinians on a daily basis. We saw how restrictions on movement and checkpoints prevent people from going to work, to school and to visit their families – even when they are sick and dying.”
“We heard powerful arguments from the Palestinian Human Rights Organisation, Al-Haq, outlining how Israel is in breach of the Geneva Conventions, and the need for other signatories to international laws to hold Israel to account.”
“Our delegation also met with the leadership of Israeli trade union centre, Histadrut, and the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions. The STUC has carefully considered the complex issues involved, and we believe that we have a moral obligation to show solidarity to Palestinian people.”
ENDS
For further information contact May Senior 0141337 8100