Comhlámh has long supported The Campaign to Pass the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB), and in our outrage over the ongoing genocide in Palestine and violence in Lebanon, the need for action is urgent.
As we approach a potential mid-November general election, there’s a crucial window to ensure the Occupied Territories Bill becomes law. The OTB seeks to prohibit the import and sale of services and goods produced in illegal settlements, including Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. The OTB has garnered significant attention for its stance on human rights and international law in light of the ongoing genocide.
Here’s why the OTB matters—and what you can do:
1. Banning Trade with Illegal Settlements: The Bill prohibits goods from illegal settlements.
- TAKE ACTION: Share the petition widely and help gather 100,000 signatures to push this forward.
2. Ireland’s Legal Right to Act: New legal advice confirms Ireland can pass the Bill without violating EU law.
- TAKE ACTION: Apart from signing the above petition, email your local representatives to stress that this bill aligns with international law and Ireland’s ethical stance.
3. Amplifying the Movement: The campaign has widespread recognition, but we need more voices.
- TAKE ACTION: Promote the campaign on social media and use the provided badges and stickers to raise awareness and spark conversations.
While the OTB is a crucial first step, it’s essential to recognise that more comprehensive action is needed. A full ban on all trade with Israel, not just illegal settlements, would send a stronger message that Ireland is committed to ending the genocide, and upholding human rights and international law.
However, we have six weeks to pressure our government to begin to take some concrete action through the OTB. If enacted, Ireland would be the first Western country to implement a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, a critical legal and moral obligation. This move is not just a leadership opportunity for Ireland; it is an essential stance that upholds international law and human rights. By taking this decisive action, Ireland would reinforce the necessity of sanctioning Israel for its violations and set a precedent for other countries to follow suit.
Visit the newly launched Pass the OTB website for resources, learn more and get involved in this vital justice movement. Let’s ensure Ireland makes the move to enact the OTB.