Source: Palestinian BDS Movement
The “S” in BDS
The “S” in BDS stands for sanctions, and it intentionally comes after B and D, as it requires building a critical mass of people power to make policymakers fulfill their obligations under international law and impose accountability measures to end Israel’s grave violations of Palestinian rights and international law.
A major reason why Israel is able to systematically violate international law and commit war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide against Palestinians is primarily because other States and international organisations fail to meet their obligations under international law.
The “S” in BDS is inspired by the enforcement measures adopted by the UN against apartheid South Africa. Such measures are considered the most ethical, legal and effective paradigm for accountability.
As part of their third state responsibility, all states are required to cooperate and adopt measures in order to bring Israel’s peremptory norms violations to an end and ensure accountability for them. States can take action, including imposing sanctions, unilaterally, multilaterally, and in the framework of the United Nations.
There are at least five areas to which sanctions, in the form of negative obligation, can be applied:
- Military-security links, including two-way trade, transfer, and transit of military and dual-use material, partnerships, joint training, academic research, and other forms of military cooperation;
- Energy links including the supply of oil, gas, and coal;
- Economic and financial links, including trade, co-operation agreements and forums, and banking relations;
- Cultural links, including academic cooperation and sports (including exclusion from the Olympics, FIFA, etc.);
- Diplomatic links, including relations on an official level, participation in international institutions, networks and meetings.
Sanctions were the final blow to the apartheid regime in South Africa. Given the dependency of Israel upon global markets, targeted and lawful sanctions at a state, regional or international level will be a highly effective measure to bring about real pressure on Israel’s apartheid regime.
ACTIONS TO DO:
- Learn more about Sanctions as part of BDS
CURRENT CAMPAIGNS
POSTCARDS TO THE GOVERNMENT
Israel’s livestreamed genocide in Gaza and deliberate starvation of Palestinians has reached an unimaginable level of cruelty.
Free Palestine Melbourne has designed two postcards – one to the Prime Minister and one to the Foreign Minister – for you to download, print and post to the Australian Government.
Australia must stop being a bystander to genocide. The people demand SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL NOW.
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To the Prime Minister
Files available to download & print:
Sanctions Now Prime Minister – CMYK with print bleed (large) (large size card 240mm x 130mm)
Sanctions Now Prime Minister – plain (large) (large size card 240mm x 130mm)
Sanctions Now Prime Minister – CMYK with print bleed (small) (small size card 138mm x 88mm)
Sanctions Now Prime Minister – plain (small) (small size card 138mm x 88mm)
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To the Foreign Minister
Files available to download & print:
Sanctions Now Foreign Minister – CMYK with print bleed (large) (large size card 240mm x 130mm)
Sanctions Now Foreign Minister – plain (large) (large size card 240mm x 130mm)
Sanctions Now Foreign Minister – CMYK with print bleed (small) (small size card 138mm x 88mm)
Sanctions Now Foreign Minister – plain (small) (small size card 138mm x 88mm)
GENOCIDE DEMANDS SANCTIONS
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has a campaign to write to your MP and senators and demand that Australia imposes country-level sanctions on Israel NOW.
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