For decades, the Palestinian people have suffered systemic violence, settler-colonialism, and apartheid. Despite countless international condemnations, decisive action has been absent. The time for passive observation is over.

What is BDS?

BDS, initiated by Palestinian civil society, is a peaceful, collective effort to achieve justice. It calls for boycotts and divestments from entities complicit in land theft, apartheid, and oppression, ensuring accountability for those violating human rights and international law. 

Why BDS?

In Palestine, the fight for freedom and justice is entangled with the web of global business practices that normalise and profit from genocide and apartheid. Our governments, multinational businesses, and institutions play a direct role in the decades-long systemic violence against Palestinians. Many governments not only turn a blind eye to these violations but also enable them, actively obstructing the enforcement of international law.

Despite the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 108 resolutions condemning Israel's actions, the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion from July 19, 2024, recognising Israel's occupation as apartheid, and the recent UN General Assembly resolution from September 2024 demanding the cessation of illegal settlements, political inaction persists.

The impunity with which Israel commits grave crimes against humanity is unparalleled in the modern era, and Western governments have directly enabled and fueled these violations of international law. This is precisely why we cannot depend on them to hold Israel accountable. When governments abandon their responsibility to act, the duty falls to us, the people.

Through BDS, we refuse to support entities that sustain illegal occupation and apartheid. Inspired by South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, the movement demands:

1. An end to Israel’s occupation and colonisation of Palestinian land.

2. Equal rights for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel.

3. The right of return for Palestinian refugees, as per UN Resolution 194.

How to BDS?

• Boycott products and services from companies complicit in human rights violations.

• Divest from institutions and businesses profiting from the oppression of Palestinians.

• Support BDS campaigns by spreading awareness and sharing information.

• Advocate for BDS within your community, workplace, and government.

• Join or collaborate with local and global movements working for justice in Palestine.

BDS works. From Veolia to Orange Telecom, corporations have withdrawn from projects under public pressure. Now, we must build on these successes.

Join us in this urgent fight for justice. Every signature is a step closer to dismantling apartheid and building a future rooted in equality and peace.

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