We, the undersigned residents of Rotherham, call upon the
Council to immediately withdraw its displays of support or
association with the Israeli Government due to its ongoing and
documented human rights violations. The recent association raises
concerns about a potential breach of the Council’s Equality
Duty, which obligates Rotherham Council to eliminate
discrimination, promote equality and foster good relations.
Our collective concerns are rooted in the fundamental principles of
humanity, equality and dignity, enshrined in both international law
and Rotherham’s Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010
(UK). Specifically, we are led by our commitment to safeguard,
protect and inspire children in Rotherham, Palestine and globally;
thereby upholding the values of the Council Priority (Every Child
Able to Fulfil Their Potential) and Rotherham Children’s
Capital of Culture.
Examples of Human Rights Violations:
- The Israeli Government has killed over 10,000 children in 100
days of conflict (Save the Children).
- The Israeli Government is depriving all Gazans of the basic
supplies necessary for survival, such as food and water (UN). 71%
of Gaza’s population is experiencing extreme hunger and
starvation (Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor).
- The Israeli Government has killed more than 23,000 Palestinians
and other nationals in 100 days (Amnesty International): including
300 health workers and 152 UN staff members.
- The Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land are illegal
under international law (UN).
- Palestinians suffer under oppressive and discriminatory laws in
Israel and occupied Palestinian territories due to the Israeli
Government’s racist policies that amount to an apartheid
(UN).
Potential Breach of Equality Duty:
Displays of support or association with the Israeli Government,
such as symbolic gestures like only flying the Israeli flag, the
Council is regarded by the undersigned as potentially:
1. Indirectly condoning or legitimising these human rights
violations.
2. The Council’s omission of acts to support the Palestinian
residents of Rotherham, whilst supporting the Israeli Government,
is differential and discriminatory treatment.
3. The Council is demonstrably failing to uphold its obligations,
namely its commitments to human rights and equality, through its
inaction.
Specifically, the Duty mandates:
Elimination of discrimination
- Support or association with the Israeli Government's apartheid
practices, in any form, coupled with the lack of support for
Palestinians directly contradicts this principle.
Promotion of equality
- This is compromised when there are displays of support or
association with the Israeli Government, which is currently
involved in actions perceived as ethnic cleansing and a genocide,
thereby contradicting the fundamental principle of equality.
Promoting good relations between different people
- Promoting positive relations among diverse communities is
hindered by displays of support or association with the Israeli
Government, involved in systematic apartheid practices and human
rights abuses. Such actions contribute to tensions and divisions
within our Rotherham communities.
This petition ran from 19/01/2024 to 18/02/2024 and has now finished.
125 people signed this petition.