The Scottish Trades Union Congress
(STUC) today (Thursday 18 June) added its support to the
challenge of the Palestinian Human Rights organisation Al-Haq against the UK
Government in British Courts.
The state of Israel is in
breach of international laws, having committed serious violations of Geneva
Convention principles. Specifically Israel has breached laws outlawing indiscriminate
and disproportionate attacks on civilians after its attacks in Gaza earlier this
year.
As a signatory to the Geneva
Convention, the UK Government has a duty under international law to act when
Convention principles are broken.
Al-Haq, represented by Phil Shiner of Public Interest Lawyers, is
pursuing the UK Government over its failure to do so.
Speaking before the UK Divisional Court
in London hears
preliminary motions on the case brought by Al-Haq, STUC Assistant Secretary Mary
Senior said:
“The STUC very much welcomes the
actions being pursued by Al-Haq. Earlier
this year during the STUC’s visit to Israel and Palestine, we met with Al-Haq’s Director,
Shawan Jabarin, in Ramallah. Mr Jabarin
explained to us why international sanctions against the state of Israel
for its breaches of international laws are not only legitimate, but absolutely
necessary to maintain the integrity of international
laws”.
Ms Senior continued:
“The STUC is clear that the UK
Government must do much more to show the state of Israel
that its actions against Palestinians are wrong and breach agreed international
laws. The STUC has already made
representations on the case for British sanctions against Israel
to the Foreign Secretary. Next month we
will make the case in person when we meet with the new Minister for the
Middle East, Ivan Lewis
MP”.
Ends
For further information
Mary Senior, STUC Tel 0141 337 8100
Notes for
editors
Case of Al-Haq v UK Government, UK
Divisional Court Hearing, 18-19 June 2009.
www.alhaq.org
www.publicinterestlawyers.co.uk
