IPSC Agm 2010 Accompanying Docs

8/9/2019 IPSC Agm 2010 Accompanying Docs

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Ireland Palestine Solidarity CampaignUnit 5, 64 Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

++353 (0)1 677 [email protected]

IRELAND PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2010

Saturday 19th June 11am 5pm

The Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

AGENDA

1. 11am - 12.20pm Annual report including financial report

a. Presentation of report and questions on past activities

b. Discussion arising from the report: Where next for IPSC?

Break

2. 12.30pm - 1.15pm Motions

3. 1.15pm 2.00pm Election of new committee

Lunch

4. 3pm 5pm Public Meeting: Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions

Building on our Global BDS Victories

Speakers:

Mick Napier (Chair, Scottish PSC)

Kamel Hawwash (Vice-Chair, English PSC)

Incoming IPSC Chairperson


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Motions submitted to the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign AGM 2010

1. The Branch Liaison Officer to be renamed the National Organiser and to be made part of theOfficer Board.

Proposed by the National Committee

2. The Education Officer role and Development Education Officer role to be amalgamated


3. The post of Campaigns Officer to be abolishedProposed by the National Committee

4. a. All non-NC officer posts to be abolished.b. To extend thanks to non-NC officers for the work they have done throughout the year


5. To task the NC to draw up a three year strategic plan for the next AGM,including an appraisal of past activities and based around the following topics,a. Development of IPSC organisationallyb. Development of the BDS campaignc. Development of lobbying, educational and advocacy work

The plan to be drawn up in consultation with members and after approval by the next AGM, should bereviewed annually.

Proposed by David LandySeconded by

6. That the IPSC supports the aims of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine, considers that the

Tribunal provides useful tools for activism related to the complicity of states and corporationsin Israel's crimes, and offers its full support to the Tribunal's Irish National Support Committee.

Proposed by Raymond DeaneSeconded by Michael Youlton

7. That the IPSC acknowledges the Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) as a longstanding ally in thestruggle against Zionism, welcomes the IAWM's cooperation in this struggle, and agrees to poolresources with the IAWM when both organisations agree that this is useful and appropriate.

Proposed by Raymond DeaneSeconded by Jim Roche


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IRELAND PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN

STANDING ORDERS

Annual General Meetings or Extraordinary GeneralMeetings

Section 1 General

1. In these standing orders:-

o IPSC means Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

o The chairperson means the chairperson for the time being of an Annual General Meeting or

Extraordinary General Meeting of IPSC, as determined in accordance with the Constitution

of the IPSC.o Meeting includes an Annual General Meeting and an Extraordinary General Meeting.

o Annual General Meeting refers to an Annual General Meeting of IPSC held in accordance

with the Constitution of the IPSC.

o Extraordinary General Meeting refers to an Extraordinary General Meeting of IPSC held in

accordance with Constitution of the IPSC.

o Member means a member of IPSC as defined by the Constitution of the IPSC.

o Motion includes an amendment to a motion and all provisions of these standing orders

which apply to motions shall apply to amendments to motions unless these standing orders

specify otherwise.

2. These standing orders are adopted pursuant to Article 23 and 29 of the Constitution of

the IPSC and are without prejudice to the provisions of said constitution of the IPSC. In

the event of conflict between the provisions of these standing orders and the provisions

of the Constitution of the IPSC, the Constitution shall have precedence.

3. Every meeting shall be conducted in accordance with a written agenda, which shall be

proposed by the chairperson at the commencement of the meeting and deemed to be

adopted as proposed unless amended by motion of the meeting. Notwithstanding the

preceding, the chairperson may, with the agreement of the meeting, determine the order

in which items on the agenda are dealt with.

4. The order of speakers shall be determined by the chairperson and no person may takethe floor without having been given it by the chairperson.

5. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 4, any Member shall at any time be entitled

to raise a point of order with the chairperson.

6. The chairperson shall rule on all points of order and her or his ruling shall be final and

binding.


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7. Persons not being members of the IPSC shall only be given the floor by the chairperson

with the agreement of the meeting.

8. All persons taking the floor shall address themselves to the chairperson and to the

chairperson alone.

9. The chairperson may, with the agreement of the meeting, prescribe a maximum time for

speakers, either for the whole of a meeting or for any particular debate within a meeting.

10. The chairperson may, with the agreement of the meeting, limit the time allocated to any

or all items on the agenda.

11. Where, in the opinion of the chairperson, a speaker is not being relevant to the matter at

hand the chairperson may require her or him to cease.

12. In addition to being concluded pursuant to paragraph 10, a debate may be concluded by

the chairperson at any time if, in her or his opinion, all relevant points of view have been

heard to the extent necessary for the purposes of the meeting.

13. Without prejudice to the Constitution of the IPSC regarding motions and special motions,

it shall be the minimum requirement that any motion put before a meeting be proposed

by a Member of IPSC and seconded by another Member of IPSC.

14. The proposer of a motion, or the majority of those proposing a motion if it has been

proposed in the name of more than one person, may decide to withdraw a motion prior

to it being voted on. No vote shall be taken on a motion so withdrawn.

15. Where a motion has been put to a meeting and debate on said motion has commenced,

no further motion (other than an amendment to said motion) shall be put to the meeting

or taken for consideration or debate until said motion has been voted on or withdrawn.

Where an amendment to a motion is proposed, said amendment must be submitted in

writing to the chairperson and shall be voted on or withdrawn prior to the original motion

being voted on or withdrawn and prior to any other amendment to the original motion

being proposed. A proposed amendment to a motion shall not itself be the subject of an

amendment.

16. These standing orders may be suspended at any meeting by a motion passed by a two-

thirds majority of the Members present and voting. Such suspension may be in respect

of a particular item or particular items of business or in respect of the whole of the

meeting at which the motion is passed, but shall not extend to any future meetings. The

minimum requirements specified in paragraph 13 shall apply to the proposing and

seconding of a motion calling for the suspension of standing orders, but such a motion

may be proposed by any Member at any time as a point of order. On such a motion


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being proposed by a Member as a point of order the chairperson shall ask for a

seconded and if the motion is seconded the Chairperson shall immediately put said

motion to a vote.

Section 2 Timekeeping

o The AGM / EGM shall appoint from among its members (which may be a National

Committee Member) a timekeeper.

o The duty of the timekeeper will be to indicate when each speaker has exhausted the time

allotted to them in accordance with the provisions of the meeting procedures or ruling of the

Chairperson.

o A visible signal shall be given by the timekeeper to each speaker when the speaker has

exhausted the time allotted to them at which point the speaker must stop speaking and

withdraw from the speakers platform.

Section 3 Voting

o Voting shall be by a show of voting cards unless a secret ballot is (before or on the

declaration of the result of the show of voting cards) demanded:-

by the Chairperson; or

by at least 40% of the Ordinary Members present and represented by their

nominee;

o The results of the secret ballot shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting.

o Where voting is by a show of voting cards, the Chairperson shall determine whether a

resolution has been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost and

this shall be conclusive without having proof of the number or proportion of the votes

recorded in favour or against such a resolution, unless requested;

o Votes "For" and "Against" will be counted and "Abstentions" will be noted, where requested.

o Three Tellers shall be elected at each AGM / EGM meeting from the members to assist the

Chairperson, in determining the outcome of a vote.

Section 4 Elections

o At every AGM, elections shall take place to all the offices of the National Committee (NC).


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o Nominees for positions on the NC must have a proposer and a secondor from amongst the

IPSC membership.

o The election of each candidate must be ratified by at least 50% of Members present in

person or by proxy at the relevant AGM.

o In the case of a contest for a position, voting for candidates will be by secret ballot.

o In the case of the election of new Chairperson, that person shall then assume the

responsibilities of Chairperson for the remainder of the meeting.

Section 5 Submission of Motions and Amendments

o Motions and amendments for the AGM / EGM must be submitted in accordance with the

provisions outlined in the notice letter calling for submission of Motions.

o Where a motion, in the opinion of the Chairperson, is deemed to be of such contentious

nature as to endanger the reputation and the stability of the organisation and the solidarity of

the affiliate members, the Chairperson may propose to the AGM / EGM that this motion or

motions should be referred back to the National Committee who will take responsibility to

deal with the issues contained in the motion and report back to the membership of the IPSC

at the next AGM or sooner.

o Any motions not addressed by close of business will be put to the meeting to make a

decision on what to do with them.

Section 6 Emergency Motions

o An Emergency Motion can be submitted on the day of the AGM provided it is in writing to

the Chairperson, who will decide if the motion will be included on the agenda.

o An emergency motion can only deal with important and urgent matters that have arisen

since the closing date for acceptance of motions for the AGM.

o Amendments to an Emergency Motion may be made on the day of the AGM.

Section 7 Constitutional Issues

o In the case of the adoption of a new Constitution, the old Constitution shall be deemed

operative until the end of the meetings proceedings, and which point the new Constitution

shall be deemed to have come into effect.


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CONSTITUTION OF THE IRELAND PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN (IPSC)

1. NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION

The name of the Association shall be the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

2. AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATIONThe purpose of the Association is to mobilize people in Ireland to support the political, civil and humanrights of all Palestinians and to work for their national and democratic rights including the Right of Returnfor them and their descendants. The Association opposes the ideology of Zionism, anti-Semitism and allforms of racism.

The Association shall be non party political, non sectarian and broadly based.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION

o To build solidarity and mutual understanding between the people on the island of Ireland and the

Palestinian people;

o To raise awareness in Ireland among churches, local authorities, trade unions, non-governmentalorganizations, and the general public of the illegal occupation of Palestinian land, the plight ofPalestinian refugees and the struggle of Palestinian citizens of Israel for full equality and civilrights;

o To participate in international efforts to put pressure on the Israeli state to cease its oppression ofthe Palestinian people;

o To promote engagement by the Irish Government, the political institutions in the North and politicalparties and elected representatives north and south for a just and equitable settlement based onthe full and unequivocal implementation of international law.

o To lobby the European Union to suspend all ties with the State of Israel until a just and equitablesettlement is reached based on full compliance with international law, full implementation of all UNResolutions and the end to the Occupation.

o To foster links between Palestinian and Irish institutions and organizations in the areas of health,education, sport, culture, local government, workers rights and the promotion of human and civilrights;

o To foster links with Israeli organisations and individuals supportive of full Palestinian rights.

o To build the IPSC as an effective organisation to carry out such campaigning, educational, mediaand other activities as will serve the preceding aims.

4. MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Association shall be open to all individuals who subscribe to its aims and objectivesand who pay the annual subscription fee as determined by the National Committee irrespective of age,disability, ethnic origin, gender, religious faith, sexual orientation, political affiliation and marital or familystatus.

4.1 Every individual member shall have one vote at General Meetings;


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4.2 Each member who has paid the annual subscription shall be entitled to receive notice of and attend

General Meetings of the Association

5. BRANCHES

5.1 A branch is a local section of the Association;5.2 Branches will organize and finance their own activities and programmes;

5.3 Branches shall ensure that that they always act in full accordance with the IPSC Constitution.

5.4 Branches may also be entitled to a stipend from National IPSC funds as decided by the National

Committee.

6. AFFILIATE BODIES

6.1 Any organisation or body corporate which subscribes to the aims and objectives of the Association

and pays an annual subscription fee as determined by the National Committee may become an

affiliate body on application to the Association. Upon receipt of a valid application, the Secretary shall

enter the affiliate body in the register of members.

7. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

The National Committee (NC) may, and for good reason, by a two-thirds majority, terminate themembership of any member or affiliate body if the member or affiliate body acts in any way which isprejudicial to the Association or brings it into disrepute, always provided that the individual concernedshall have the right to be heard by an Appeals Panel composed of the National Committee Officer Boardand one person from the general membership elected at the AGM specifically for this purpose. Personsappearing before the Appeals Panel have the right to be accompanied by a person of their choice whomay speak, or make written representation on their behalf. The Appeals Panel having convened and metwith the member concerned is obliged to provide the NC with a written report and recommendation after

which it will make the final decision and convey it to the member concerned.

8. NATIONAL COMMITTEE

8.1 The management of the Association shall be vested in a National Committee, consisting ofChairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and a minimum of eight other members, all of whomshall be elected by the membership at AGM. Their duty shall be to carry out its general policy and toprovide for the administration, management and control of the affairs and property of the Association,subject to decisions of the AGM and EGM.

8.2 Branches are entitled to nominate a person to represent them on the National Committee. The

term of office for branch representative is one year, congruent with the term of office of each elected NC

member.

8.3 With the exception of the Chairperson who must be voted in by the membership at an AGM or

EGM, vacancies on the National Committee that arise through resignation or termination during the year

can be filled from the membership by co-option by the National Committee and such an appointee shall

complete the term of office of the member he/she is replacing and shall be eligible for re-election in the

prescribed manner at the next Annual General Meeting.


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8.4 A member of the National Committee shall cease to hold office if he/she:

o is subject to a vote of no-confidence by two-thirds of those present at a meeting of the National

Committee as a result of actions which bring the Association into disrepute or conduct prejudicial to it

or failure to abide by the terms of this constitution or the decisions of the National Committee;

o Is absent without notice from three consecutive meetings and the National Committee resolve that

his/her office be vacated;o Becomes incapable by mental disorder, illness or injury of managing and administering his/her own

affairs;

All of the above matters are subject to the right of appeal as outlined in section 7 above.

8.5 The Secretary shall maintain a register of members of the Association for the purpose of elections

and voting at all general meetings of the Association

9 TERM OF OFFICE OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE

The term of office for National Committee members is one year.

10 MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE

10.1 The National Committee shall meet not less than six times per year. Members who fail to attendthree consecutive meetings without explanation may be asked to resign. Where a member fails to attendthree meetings without explanation, the Chairperson will write explaining the rules and requesting themember to state their intention regarding their membership of the NC. Where no reply is received asecond letter will be sent by registered post. Where no reply is received to the second letter, the NC mayterminate the members place on the NC.

10.2 The Secretary shall notify each member of the National Committee of every meeting not less than

one week before the date of the meeting.

10.3 The quorum for meetings of the National Committee shall be 50% plus one

10.4 The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the National Committee and in his/her absencethe Vice Chair shall preside. In the absence of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, the NationalCommittee shall elect a member present to chair the meeting.

10.5 The Secretary shall ensure an accurate record (minutes) of all meetings is retained in a file for future

reference and inspection by the National Committee and any other persons/ groups as decided by it.

11 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION

11.1 The Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting not more than fifteen calendar months after

the last Annual General Meeting.

11.2 The Secretary shall notify each member and affiliate body of the date of the AGM in writing not less

than two calendar months before, and not less than one month before shall invite them to submit motions

and nominations in writing to the National Coordinator. The deadline for motions shall be two weeks


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before the date of the AGM. The Secretary will circulate the agenda to members who have paid their

annual subscription not less than two weeks before the AGM, and any other relevant documentation shall

be circulated not less than one week before the AGM.

11.3 Every registered member is entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting.

11.4 Only members who have paid the annual subscription are entitled to vote at the Annual GeneralMeeting.

11.5 Each Affiliate body that has paid the annual subscription shall be entitled to nominate one voting

representative to attend the AGM on its behalf.

11.6 The business to be transacted at the AGM shall include the following:

o Records of the last AGM

o Reports of outgoing officers

o Approval of the Annual Report

o Approval of the Accounts

o

Election of Incoming National Committeeo Submission of motions

o Other business as agreed by Association

11.7 The Chairperson shall preside over the Annual General Meeting and in his/her absence the Vice

Chair shall preside. In the absence of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, the National Committee

shall elect a member present to chair the meeting?

11.8 The AGM may adopt such rules of procedure for its own conduct as it may see fit.

12 EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS (EGM)

12.1 An EGM of the Association may be called for a stated purpose by

o The National Committee

o One half or more of the paid up members of the Association

12.2 Every member who has paid their subscription shall be entitled to attend and vote;

12.3 An EGM shall not consider any other business other than the matters(s) for which it is called and

motions relative to these matters shall be accepted by discussion.

12.4 Where an EGM is called the members doing so must give notice in writing to the secretary stating

the purpose for which the meeting is being called and signed by each such member. The Secretary

shall then fix the date for the meeting not more than two months and not less than one month after

the date on which the request is received.

12.5 Each affiliate body that has paid the annual subscription shall be entitled to nominate one voting

representative to attend the EGM on its behalf.


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12.6 The Chairperson shall preside over Extraordinary General Meetings in his/her absence the Vice

Chair shall preside. In the absence of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, the National Committee

shall elect a member present to chair the meeting

12.7 The EGM may adopt such rules of procedure for its own conduct as it may see fit.

13 FUNDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

13.1The Association shall maintain a bank account

13.2 The signatories to the Bank Account shall include the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary,Treasurer, National Coordinator and one other member of good standing as agreed by the NationalCommittee.

13 .3 At each meeting of the National Committee, the Treasurer shall provide a an itemised statement ofincome and expenditure for the preceding period and a report on the financial standing of the Association

13.4 The funds of the Association shall be used only in pursuance of the aims and objectives of the

Association.

14 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

This Constitution may be amended only by a two thirds majority of the membership at an AGM or EGM ofthe Association called specifically for that purpose.

15 DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION

15.4 The Association may only be dissolved by resolution passed by two thirds of majority at an EGMcalled for that purpose

15.5 If after paying all its bills and debts, members shall decide at the final general meeting of theorganisation on the disbursement of any funds remaining to organisations having similar purposes andobjectives.

16. INTERPRETATION

16.1 References to this constitution to the Secretary shall be taken to include any person to whom theNational Committee may from time to time delegate functions assigned to the Secretary by or under thisconstitution, but the function of acting as a signatory to the bank account shall not be delegated.

16.2 It shall be a condition of membership and of affiliation that disputes relating to an interpretation ofthis constitution shall be decided only by binding arbitration.

END


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Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC)

Revised National Committee Structure

May 2009


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IPSC National Committee Structure 2009 2

1 Introduction

A new National Committee (NC) structure was adopted by the IPSC at its AGM in 2008. It was

intended as a pilot initiative subject to review at the end of one term of office. As the NC

embarked on its work for the year, some amendments were made to this structure (see

Appendix 1 for details). In the latter term of the National Committee and based on itsexperience of a year in operation, it reviewed this structure, and now presents the following as

its revised composition.

In the course of that review, it was agreed that officer roles required within the organisation be

designated NC or non-NC roles. The reason for this distinction is that to have all roles within

the organisation occupied on the NC would make it too large, unwieldy and simply

unmanageable. The review strived to make the NC as tight as possible.

This document outlines the officer positions within the IPSC and associated functions. Effective

methods of communication between the NC and non NC officers to be agreed by the National

Committee.

2 National Committee Officer Positions

1. Chair

2. Vice-Chair (to be elected by the membership at AGM/EGM from one of the other officerpositions)

3. Secretary

4. Treasurer

5. Consumer Boycott Officer

6. Academic Boycott Officer

7. Arts / Culture / Sports Boycott Officer

8. Events Officer9. Political Officer

10. Divestment Officer

11. Media and Public Relations Officer

12. Trade Union Liaison Officer

13. Branch Liaison Officer

14. Membership Officer

15. NGO Liaison Officer

16. Churches Officer

17. Fund-raising Officer

18. Education Officer

19. Development Education Officer20. Campaigns Officer

In addition, all affiliated branches are entitled to appoint one representative to the NC.

Supervisor for the National Coordinator to be appointed from the above, based on skills and

experience.

From within this National Committee an Officer Board is to be formed consisting of the

positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and National Coordinator. The role of this


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board is to provide support to the Chair and act in an advisory capacity on administrative

matters. In the interests of transparency and democracy the remit of this board shall be

limited to administrative matters only.

3 Non National Committee Officer Positions

1. Palestine Liaison Officer (based in Palestine)

2. Merchandise Officer

3. Arts/Culture Officer

4. Twinning Officer

5. Design / Graphics Officer

4 Functions of each position (NC)

4.1 Chair

Public role

Chair national IPSC events

Speak at IPSC functions (rallies, demonstrations, etc.)

Participate in IPSC political and other delegations, if and when appropriate

Represent the IPSC if and when appropriate

Organisational profile

Develop body of IPSC patrons

Speak at public meetings to raise awareness of Palestine and the work of the IPSC

National Committee Meetings and Decision Making Chair meetings of the NC

Ensure NC meetings are well planned (including ensure the agenda and minutes of meetings

are prepared)

Ensure the agenda is followed

Ensure decisions are made at NE meetings

Ensure everyone has a chance to speak at meetings

Keep speakers at NC meetings to the point

Manage on-line voting within the NC

Refer suggestions and documents to the NC for decision making

Organisational management

Ensure that the work of the NC is consistent with IPSC strategy and policy

Ensure that organisational policies, procedures and policy positions are adhered to within

the organisation

Oversee the development of necessary policies, procedures and protocols

Encourage the active involvement of all NE members

Support NC members in their roles


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Allocate tasks to ensure campaign areas of work are completed

Promote fairness within the IPSC

Make judgement calls as and when appropriate

4.2 Secretary

National Committee meetings

Minute and circulate minutes to all NE members

Issue notification of NE meetings and meeting agenda

Develop meeting agenda in liaison with Chair

Issue notification of AGM and other IPSC meetings

Ensure a minutes file is maintained

Book venue and arrange payment for NC meetings

Organisational management

Ensure that the AGM is held on time and that all related terms and conditions are adhered

to

Ensure proper notice is given of meetings and that meetings are run in accordance with the

Articles of Association

Ensure the annual return to the Companies Office is submitted

Keep copies of all annual returns and accounts

Notify any relevant changes in the organisation to the companies office

Ensure that all legal agreements or contracts are properly discussed and agreed by the

directors

Ensure all legal documents are kept safely by the project

Respond and re-direct specific requests to the organisations e.g. film and book reviews

Write letters on behalf of the NC as needed

4.3 Treasurer

Book-keeping and Financial Management

Manage and ensure national finances are in order

Log monies collected, pay bills (including coordinator salary), oversee bank account

Ensure proper records of income and expenditure are maintained and act as a cheque

signatory as necessary

Ensure good practice regarding cheque signatories and procedures re same

Ensure that financial procedures are adhered to

Prepare financial reports for NC meetings and the AGM

Advise on major financial decisions and the financial viability of IPSC events

Liase with the IPSC accountant regarding the preparation of audited accounts for the AGMand present annual accounts to the AGM

Ensure the committee has the necessary information to understand the organisations

present financial position, plan for future financial needs and make decisions on how

organisational resources can be best used to fulfil the aims of the IPSC strategic and

operational plan

Deal with the bank and other financial institutions as necessary


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Ensure accounts are properly prepared and audited and financial returns submitted to

companies house

Other organisational management responsibilities

Ensure the IPSC has adequate insurance cover, in particular for public events

Assume responsibility for premises lease

Acquire, monitor expenditure on and record transactions on company credit card

Establish and oversee paypal account

Liase with Secretary on insurance and company matters

Work alongside the Merchandise Officer regarding stock and lodging receipts for same

Allocate funding to branches if/when appropriate/necessary

4.4 Consumer Boycott

Devise and oversee a consumer boycott strategy for the IPSC

Promote the implementation of the Apartheid Free Zone concept with branches and

members throughout the country

Correspond with companies, retail outlets and importers on an ongoing basis regarding the

stocking of Israeli produce informing them of the boycott campaign and urging support

Coordinate national boycott actions in association with local branches

Liase with PACBI and other international solidarity organisations to promote positive

developments elsewhere and to ensure developments in Ireland feed into the international

body of information on consumer boycott

4.5 Academic boycott

Develop a briefing paper making the case for academic boycott Identify and work alongside academics willing to support academic boycott actions

throughout the country

Identify which Irish universities are collaborating / planning to collaborate with Israeli

institutions and encourage them not to renew / withdraw from joint projects

Publicise the academic boycott in the media and in academia



body of information on academic boycott

4.6 Cultural /Arts / Sports Boycott Officer

Actively discourage Irish artists from participating in cultural, arts and sporting events in

Israel

Promote a boycott of all Israeli sponsored events in Ireland

Promote a boycott of all cultural, arts and sporting events in Ireland which involve Israeli

participation

Coordinate cultural, arts and sporting boycott actions in association with local branches


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body of information on arts / cultural and sporting boycott

4.7 Events Officer

Devise an annual calendar of events (subject to NC approval)

Be pro-active in inviting speakers, in particular speakers from Palestine to Ireland on

speaking tours and draw up briefs for visiting speakers

Organise all national events of the IPSC

Coordinate speaking tours with local branches and contacts throughout the country

Work alongside the National Coordinator in the organisation of national events and

demonstrations

4.8 Political Officer

Develop and implement a political strategy for the NC

Develop fact-sheets and briefing documents on various aspects of the Occupation, areas of

foreign policy and relevant political developments

Write on a regular and on-going basis to the Minster for Foreign Affairs and circulate

correspondence to members of the Oireachtas / relevant committees

Follow up all correspondence with meetings with elected representatives, where possible

Organise and attend meetings with representatives of all the political parties throughout

Ireland in an attempt to influence their partys position on Palestine

Advise the IPSC on political strategy

4.9 Divestment Officer

Conduct research to identify which Irish companies are doing business in/with Israel

Lead out on divestment campaigns against these particular companies

Identify which Irish institutions have shares in these companies or in foreign companies

which do business in/with Israel

In particular, identify which Irish pension funds have such shares

Liaise with representatives of employees whose pensions are administered by such fund

managers to help them to encourage divestment



body of information on divestment

4.10 Media and Public Relations Officer

Submit press releases on a regular basis and in particular, immediately after major attacks,

key events in Palestine, political developments / setbacks, IPSC events, campaign

developments (such as welcoming boycott motions, statements, etc.)


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Follow up press releases with phone calls to key journalists

Update and maintain a national media database

Develop relationships and allies within the media

Organise press conferences as and when appropriate

Participate in press interviews (both spoken and print media)

4.11 Trade Union Liaison Officer

Develop close working links with the Trade Union Friends of Palestine

Work with ICTU, NIPSA and IMPACT to consider ways in which the BDS motions supported

by these unions can be maximised in practice

Encourage other unions to pass motions in support of Palestine and the BDS campaign

Encourage unions to affiliate to the IPSC

Liase with international trade unions and solidarity organisations to promote positive

developments elsewhere and to ensure developments in Ireland feed into an international

body of information

4.12 Branch Liaison Officer

Act as the main point of contact for IPSC branches around the country and between the NC

and the branches

Support the development of new branches and provide them with IPSC branch pack

Support branches in their work as and when required

Encourage all branches to affiliate and renew affiliation to the IPSC

Ensure (as far as is possible) that all branches comply with IPSC policy positions and act in

accordance with IPSC aims

Produce report for branches following all NC meetings advising them of key decisions and

rationale for same where appropriate

4.13 Membership Officer

Monitor completed audits from new members on an ongoing basis and sign-post to

different areas of the campaign

Develop and provide an induction pack for new members

Act as the main point of contact between the NC and the membership

Coordinate IPSC attendance at events which will encourage the recruitment of new

members

Ensure there is an effective system in place for membership renewal

4.14 NGO Liaison Officer

Liaise with other groups and organisations who have an interest in or actively work on the

issue of Palestine

Encourage relevant organisations to develop strong statements on Palestine

Encourage other organisations to affiliate to the IPSC

4.15 Churches Liaison Officer


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Actively liase with all church groupings to raise their awareness of the situation in Palestine

Encourage representatives of churches to attend IPSC events

Encourage representatives of the Christian churches to issues statements / sermons

highlighting the situation in Palestine and urging support for the people of Palestine. In

particularly use Easter and Christmas as particularly opportune times for Christian churches

to turn their attention to Palestine.

Encourage representatives (of the Christian churches in particular) to visit Palestine

4.16 Fund-Raising Officer

Develop a fund-raising strategy for the IPSC

Identify funding opportunities and apply for grants/funding for IPSC activities

Investigate possibilities for, and secure, private sector sponsorship for specific IPSC events

and actions

Coordinate fundraising events in conjunction with Events Officer

4.17 Education Officer

Oversee the development and endorsement of materials which will raise the political

consciousness of members/supporters and the general public.

Produce educational resources for the organisation in liaison with relevant officers eg,

'what is boycott', 'what is divestment', 'what are settlements', FAQ about the Occupation

Advise on publications, DVDs and other educational materials to be sold by the IPSC and

articles / video clips to be made available on the IPSC website

Organise internal debates on issues relating to Palestine etc, (including debates necessary

to inform policy positions)

Create education packs, tailored for different audiences

Work with the events coordinator and other relevant officers to organise educational andtraining seminars and workshops for members

4.18 Development Education Officer

Liase with schools, youth and community groups and the Dept. Ed. and Science in the South

and DENI in the North to develop and teach modules on Palestine.

4.19 Campaigns Officer

Oversee the development and implementation of specific one-off, time limited campaigns

Act as the IPSC point of contact for international campaigns initiated by other solidarity

organisations or from within Palestine, including petitions, requests for endorsement,

proposals for joint solidarity initiatives

5 Functions of each position (non- NC)

5.1 Palestine Liaison Officer (based in Palestine)


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Provide an 'ear to the ground' in Palestine to inform IPSC about what the 'word on the

Palestinian street is', what campaigns are being launched/concentrated on, what Palestinian

groups want international activists to focus on, etc

Liase with various groups/people with whom the IPSC has established links

Work alongside the Merchandise Officer to source Palestinian goods and organise their

transport to Ireland

5.2 Merchandise Officer

1. Order and process stock at competitive prices and ensure there is an adequate supply of

main stock items at all times

2. Create a stock list, stock boxes for stalls and branches and work alongside branches to keep

track of sales and stock

3. Develop price lists and ensure correct and consistent prices are charged on items

4. Develop 'pack boxes' which keep a standing number of items, e.g., 20 JESS DVDs, 20 Iron

Walls, etc to be issued to groups / individuals doing public meetings - they should come

back with remaining stock and money for sales; the relevant paperwork prepared and re-

stocked to ensure there is a float ready for issue

5. Manage online shop including packing and issuing stock in response to on-line orders

6. Ensure there is a supply of necessary packing materials in stock for on-line sales

7. Liase closely with Treasurer and maintain all necessary paperwork for the Treasurer

8. Promote the availability of IPSC stock to other businesses

9. Work alongside IPSC Coordinator in the development of new stock such as cards, shopping

bags, etc.

5.3 Arts / Culture Officer

Develop a database (with full contact details) of Palestinian artists, musicians, dance groups,

etc

Compile a database of arts festivals, film festivals, film clubs throughout Ireland

Promote the involvement of Palestinian artists in films and arts festivals throughout Ireland

Promote the showing of documentaries /films on Palestine as part of film club programmes

5.4 Twinning Officer

Promote twinning projects between schools, youth groups, womens groups, sports groups,

hospitals, etc

Encourage and support branches around the country to encourage their local authorities to

formally twin with municipalities in Palestine Create a twinning pack for primary and secondary schools in liaison with the Education

Development and Education Officer

Forge links with Palestinian schools, hospitals etc for the purpose of twinning.

5.5 Design / Graphics Officer

Design and layout all IPSC materials posters, leaflets, publications, etc.


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Assist the National Coordinator in design, layout and review of IPSC website


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Appendix 1

IPSC National Committee Composition 2008

1. Chair2. Secretary

3. Treasurer

4. Media Officer

5. Membership Officer

6. Branch Liaison Officer

7. Trade Union Liaison Officer

8. National Spokesperson

9. E-communications and resources

10. Retail Boycott Officer

11. Divestment & Sanctions Officer

12. Events Coordinator

13. Recruitment Officer

14. External / NGO Liaison Officer

15. International Solidarity Officer

16. Palestinian Delegation Representative

Branch representatives

1. Newbridge

Note on changes to above:

During a strategic planning session at the beginning of the year, it was decided that the

following posts needed to be created;

Youth Officer

Political Officer


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Appendix 2

IPSC National Coordinator Job Description (Part-time)

1.1 Coordination Coordinate IPSC activities as instructed by the National Executive through the Chair

of the National Executive (NE) or through any other person specifically authorised

by the NE to supervise the work of the Coordinator;

Support and assist all NE officers in fulfilling their tasks, working on their

recommendations and initiating activities in support of them;

Support the work of all branches with administrative and other backup. The

Coordinator may undertake additional work on behalf of individual branches but

this must not be at the expense of work required in fulfilling tasks for the IPSC

National Executive.

1.2 Administration

Maintain membership, contact, media and other relevant databases.

Fulfil internal administrative tasks such as assisting in organising meetings of the NE,

responding to email and other queries and other secretarial tasks related to

campaigns.

Maintain files of all incoming and outgoing correspondence.

Maintain a stock of resources and support local branches to ensure materials used

are consistent with IPSC policy.

1.2 Fundraising

Coordinate fundraising efforts through ongoing contributions from current IPSC

members and organisation of one-off fundraising efforts.

1.3 Membership

Promote inclusiveness and continued involvement of new members and activate

existing members. Help develop strategies to seek new members and thedevelopment of branches in towns and third level institutions.

Establish and maintain a system for renewal of IPSC membership.

1.4 External contacts

Help to consolidate and develop relationships with other organisations and

campaigns


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Human Rights Council holds general debate on human rightssituation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories

Source: United Nations Human Rights Council

Date: 22 Mar 2010

AFTERNOON

22 March 2010

The Human Rights Council this afternoon held a general debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and otherOccupied Arab Territories.

Israel, speaking as a concerned country, said for nearly 62 years, the State of Israel had called upon its neighbours tolive in peace, side by side, but despite that aspiration, conflict and strife had continued in much of the region. Thatreality of a continuing conflict had brought suffering to many in the region, and the Israelis had felt that pain.Palestinians, too, had suffered, and had aspirations for a better future for their families and communities, as didSyrians.

Palestine, speaking as a concerned country, said Israel's insistence to remain the occupying power was very clear byits actions; Israel continued its expansion of settlements and illegal construction on Arab land confiscated by force,which could only lead to the suffering of Arab people. Palestine would not go back to negotiations without animmediate and unconditional cease of all of Israel's settlement activities.

Syria, speaking as a concerned country, said Israel had transformed the Middle East into a place of tension. Since itsinception in 1948, Israel had been starting wars and attacking others. It had not ceased to attack the lands of itsneighbours, all actions undertaken to force others into exile. Israel had never wanted peace and would never wantpeace. If Israel wanted peace all it would have to do was comply by international instruments.

In the general debate, speakers observed, among other issues, that during the last 42 years Israel had pursued apolicy of wanton repression in the Occupied Palestinian Territories through the use of disproportionate force,deliberate destruction of infrastructure, killing of civilians and eliminating the religious and cultural heritage ofPalestine. The human rights situation in the occupied Syrian Golan was also deteriorating as a result of the Israeli

occupation and Israel was regularly violating the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, those of internationallaw, and had committed crimes against humanity, as highlighted by the Goldstone report. Both the PalestinianAuthority and the Government of Israel should engage in preventing, investigating, and remedying violations ofinternational law, respect previous agreements, and coordinate steps towards maintaining peace in the region.Despite all requests and calls for an end of settlement activities by Israel, those activities continued unabated. Somecondemned the recent decision to build 1,600 new settlements in the Occupied Territories. Only an immediate halt toall illegal activities, including human rights violations, siege and blockades and, above all, the occupation, would leadto sustainable peace in the region, allowing for a two State solution.Delegations recalled that in 2007, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon had voiced disappointment at the Council forsingling out Israel as the only item on the agenda. Speakers regretted that the situation in the Middle East had notimproved since the last Council session on the topic and that no progress on peace had been realized after theGoldstone report. The recommendations of that report had not been fully implemented, speakers said, underscoringthe need for them to be applied in order to end the culture of impunity. Also, both Israel and the Palestinian Authorityshould conduct an independent investigation so that justice could be carried out. Several delegations reiterated theneed to promptly reengage in negotiations. Only the political determination of the parties to find a solution to the

conflict could solve the situation and lead to a lasting improvement of the human rights of the parties involved.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue were Spain on behalf of the European Union, Egypt on behalf of the Non-AlignedMovement, Nigeria on behalf of the African Group, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference,Sudan on behalf of the Arab Group, Bahrain, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Russian Federation, Cuba,the United States, Bangladesh, Turkey, Oman, Morocco, Algeria, Switzerland, Malaysia, Iceland, Yemen, Kuwait,Libya, Iran, Sri Lanka, League of Arab States, Tunisia, Sudan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, United ArabEmirates, and Lebanon.
http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-7VWRWA?OpenDocumenthttp://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-7VWRWA?OpenDocumenthttp://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/


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Also speaking were representatives of Union of Arab Jurists, United Nations Watch, the Commission of the Churcheson International Affairs of the World Council of Churches, and the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations.

Speaking in a right of reply were Israel, Palestine, Algeria, Iran, and Lebanon.

The next meeting of the Council will be on Tuesday, 23 March at 9 a.m., when it will conclude its general debate onthe human rights situation in Palestine and other Occupied Arab territories, to be followed by a general debate on the

follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

Statements by Concerned Country and Concerned Party

AHARON LESHNO-YAAR (Israel), speaking as a concerned country, said the same type of rocket had been used tokill Israeli children that the Palestinian representative in this chamber had referred to as a "firecracker". JusticeGoldstone had written that the firing of those rockets amounted to war crimes. Hamas and their allies continued to firethem at civilians in Israel, and the Council was doing nothing about it and expected that Israel did nothing. It wasfrustrating; for nearly 62 years, the State of Israel had called upon its neighbours to live in peace, side by side, butdespite that aspiration, and the many steps taken to build confidence, conflict and strife continued in much of theregion. That reality of a continuing conflict had brought suffering to many in the region, and the Israelis had felt thatpain. Palestinians, too, had suffered, and had aspirations for a better future for their families and communities, as didSyrians, seeking development and freedom for better lives and more opportunities.

The State of Israel was the national home of the Jewish people, who returned to their land after 2,000 years. Zionismwas the national liberation movement of the Jewish people. The United Nations decided in 1947 to partition the landinto two States, and Israel came into being in 1949. During the next 19 years, an Arab State was not formed on thePalestinian territories; therefore it was untrue to say that it had not come into being merely because Israel seized theterritory. Israel believed that a two-State solution was the only solution, believing that that was the only way for all tolive side by side in peace with their neighbours. Much that took place in this hall was not guided by friends of thoseaspirations it had been transformed into yet another painful battleground. The Council had not built hope orconfidence, but had nurtured bitterness and anger, mistrust and suspicion. The Council spent a disproportionateamount of time on this one issue. Any person of good faith would agree that Israel was making a genuine attempt todeal with the situation. The cynicism of the draft resolutions before the Council and the atmosphere of the forum werein danger of harming the United Nations and the path towards peace in the Middle East.

IBRAHIM KHRAISHI (Palestine), speaking as a concerned party, welcomed the second periodic report of the HighCommissioner and agreed that occupation was the main cause of human rights violations in the Occupied PalestinianTerritories. Palestine confirmed the importance of the recommendations, as well as the necessity that they be

implemented by all parties, particularly Israel. Israel's insistence on remaining the occupying power was very clear byits actions: Israel continued its expansion of settlements and illegal construction on Arab land confiscated by force,which could only lead to the suffering of Arab people. The listing of Arab religious sites as Jewish heritage sitesfurther ran counter to efforts to consolidate the values Palestine wished to see achieved. Palestine would not go backto negotiations without an immediate and unconditional cessation of all of Israel's settlement activities. Theexcavation works and the destruction of houses around Jerusalem also had to be ended immediately. That led to thedisplacement of people, which was what Israel sought.

Palestine called on the international community to put pressure on Israel to abide by international legitimacy.Maintaining military roadblocks prevented the free movement of the Palestinian people; obstructed all links betweenPalestinian people and the holy sites in Jerusalem; and Israel continued to detain tens of thousands of Palestinians.That was yet another proof of Israel's occupation policy, which would, however, not be beneficial in the long run. Theinternational community should shoulder its responsibility. As for Israel, the authorities had to undertake independentinvestigations based on international criteria, which was an important condition in dealing with all allegations of

alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also had to immediately lift the unjust closure of the GazaStrip; allow access of medical equipment, food and other items; and stop targeting unarmed civilians. In conclusion,Palestine called on all Member States to adopt the draft resolutions regarding the right to self-determination of thePalestinian people; on the settlements; and on decisions on human rights violations of the Palestinian people. Thatwould reinforce the Council's credibility.

FAYSAL KHABBAS HAMOUI (Syria), speaking as a concerned country, said Syria joined statements made byPakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Conference, Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement andSudan on behalf of the Arab Group. Israel had transformed the Middle East into a place of tension. Since its inceptionin 1948, Israel had been starting wars and attacking others. It had not ceased to attack the lands of its neighboursand had undertaken all actions to force others into exile. Syria had seen occupation and colonization. However, its


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people had refused to adopt Israeli citizenship. All of that was taking place in full view of the International Red Crossand others. Israel also refused to follow the Fact-Finding Mission report recommendations, especially those fromJudge Goldstone, as they pointed to the fact that Israeli policies should be condemned. Fortunately, one of Israel'srecent attempts had failed. They had waited for justice to be served and justice would be served. Israel had opted forcolonization over a policy of peace. In the long run it was not in Israel's interest to follow that course of action, norwould it lead to stability and peace. Israel had never wanted peace and would never want peace. They wereobstinate. If Israel wanted peace all it would have to do would be to comply with international instruments. That would

include releasing more than 500 prisoners, including Syrians who had been detained for roughly 25 years.

General Debate on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories

JAVIER GARRIGUES (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, reaffirmed distress over the humanitarianand human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and reiterated the need to promptly re-engage innegotiations. Both the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel should engage in preventing, investigating,and remedying violations of international law, respect previous agreements, and coordinate steps towardsmaintaining peace in the region. Both parties should fully adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law,combat impunity and focus on the principle of accountability. The European Union urged the timely arrival of apolitical solution culminating in an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State. It further expressed concernat the humanitarian and human rights situation in the Gaza Strip and asked Israel to promote the movement and flowof commercial goods, humanitarian and reconstruction aid and persons to and from Gaza. There should also be acessation of the firing of Khassam missiles from the Gaza Strip. Another area of deep concern was the continuationof settlement activities, and the European Union condemned the decision to build new housing units in East

Jerusalem. The European Union wished to reaffirm its support for the Arab Peace Initiative. The report by the UnitedNations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict included allegations of grave violations of internationalhumanitarian law, and the parties were invited to implement the recommendations contained therein.

HISHAM BADR (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, expressed grave concern about theunilateral measures by Israel aimed at altering the status and demographic composition of the Occupied PalestinianTerritories, its continuation of unlawful settlement activities and its illegal blockade on the Palestinian civilianpopulation in Gaza. That blockade was the cause of the current severe humanitarian crisis, impeding reconstructionand depriving the Gaza population from the full range of their human rights. The Non-Aligned Movement urged Israelto immediately cease all illegal practices in and around East Jerusalem as they gravely undermined the contiguity,integrity, viability and unity of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and jeopardized the realization of the inalienablerights of the Palestinian people. The Movement fully supported the three draft resolutions presented to the Counciland called on all members to support them. The Movement expressed its grave concern for the delay in issuance ofthe report of the Secretary-General regarding the human rights situation in occupied Syrian Golan. It further

demanded that Israel comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) and withdraw fully from the occupied SyrianGolan to the lines of 4 June 1967 and reiterated its demand for Israel to comply immediately and unconditionally withthe provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention and to apply them to the Syrian detainees in the occupied SyrianGolan.

OSITADINMA ANAEDU (Nigeria), speaking on behalf of the African Group, expressed concern over the lackof implementation of numerous relevant United Nations human rights instruments. The African position hadbeen principled, firm and unambiguous. The African Union at the highest political level had called for thesettlement of the situation in accordance with international law. At this juncture, the African Group welcomedthe draft resolution, which, along with the Goldstone report, had documented human rights violations inGaza. It identified that there had been a lack of respect for the right to life and other rights. The African Groupalso endorsed a recommendation that would call on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza, among other things.In conclusion, the African Group strongly supported a peaceful settlement and called on Israel to implementall United Nations instruments on this matter, urgently.

ZAMIR AKRAM (Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, said over thelast 42 years Israel had pursued a policy of wanton repression in the Occupied Palestinian Territoriesthrough the use of disproportionate force, deliberate destruction of infrastructure, killing of civilians andeliminating the religious and cultural heritage of Palestine. Thousands of innocent Palestinians had sufferedtorture and other degrading punishments. While the world was still asking for independent investigations forthe damage to Palestinian life and property by Israel's deadly attacks in Gaza that had led to the killing ofthousands of innocent Palestinians under the guise of fighting terrorism Israel had redoubled its efforts toeliminate the religious and cultural heritage of Palestinians. The Organization of the Islamic Conferencesquarely rejected Israeli pronouncements and considered them as extremely counterproductive tointernational peace efforts. Under such conditions there could be no hope for a peace process in the Middle


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East or for the protection of human rights. Only an immediate halt to all illegal activities includingsettlements, human rights violations, siege and blockades and, above all, to the occupation, would lead tosustainable peace in the region, allowing for a two-State solution. The human rights situation in the occupiedSyrian Golan was also deteriorating as a result of the Israeli occupation, which continued to violate the civiland political rights and economic, social and cultural rights of the Syrian population. The Organization of theIslamic Conference had presented its traditional resolutions, and hoped that the Council would be able tosupport them.

HAMZA AHMED (Sudan), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, reiterated that all parties should move forward toimplement the recommendations according to their mandate and in an urgent manner. The Arab Group requestedthat both parties, Israel and the Palestinian authorities, conduct an independent investigation so that justice could becarried out. It further recommended that the Swiss Government work to reconvene a conference on measures toenforce the Fourth Geneva Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory before the end of the year and that theHigh Commissioner for Human Rights consider establishing a compensation fund for Palestinian victims. The ArabGroup also emphasized the need that the High Commissioner to set up an independent expert committee to evaluatethe follow-up of the requests of the two parties and that she provide that committee all the support that wasnecessary for it to conduct its mission. The Group observed that the International Committee of the Red Crossplayed an important role throughout the region, and therefore called on that organization to organize anurgent debate on the use of weapons that were prohibited at the international level . Also, the Arab Groupexpressed concern at the fact that the High Commissioner's Office had not yet published the report of the Secretary-General on the human rights situation in the occupied Syrian Golan although the mission had visited that region morethan one year ago.

MUNA ABBAS RADHI (Bahrain) said Bahrain was very concerned about the deteriorating situation in different partsof the Occupied Territories. It condemned the fact that Israel had decided to build a Synagogue very near an Islamicholy site. The human rights situation in the Occupied Territories had led to international concern. Bahrain regrettedthat the Secretary-General's report on human rights in the Syrian Golan Heights had been put out so late. It called onthe international community to guarantee the protection of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determinationand statehood with East Jerusalem as their capital.

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia) said Indonesia remained deeply concerned about the human rightssituation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where living conditions haddeteriorated sharply since the excessive and disproportionate aggression of Operation Cast Lead. Noprogress on peace had been realized after the Goldstone report, and the recommendations of the latter hadnot been fully implemented. There were blatant infringements of international law, particularly the FourthGeneva Convention, which prohibited the tampering with or modification of religious heritage sites in

occupied areas, and Israel should halt that provocative and illegal policy, as such activities did nothing butincrease tensions and hostilities in the region and ultimately hindered efforts towards a long-awaited peaceprocess. The report of the High Commissioner outlined many troubling incidents and painted a picture ofunacceptable suffering and despair for the Palestinian people. It was undoubted that the Occupation hadresulted in widespread violations of the civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights ofthe Palestinian people, and there were breaches of the fundamental human rights to water, sanitation anddecent housing, as well as to freedom of religion. All of those violations, alongside documented incidencesof torture and arbitrary detention, were a testament to the occupying power's clear disregard for basichuman rights. Indonesia deeply regretted that the protracted conflict remained unresolved, and expressedsteadfast support to the diplomatic efforts by the international community to find a just and comprehensivetwo-State solution leading to the establishment of an independent and democratic State of Palestine.

FAISAL ABDULLA AL-HENZAB (Qatar) said the rights of the people of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and ofthe Occupied Arab Territories had significantly deteriorated, with unilateral aggressive actions by the occupyingpower taking place on a daily basis. Further, the blockade of Gaza threatened to make the situation explode to an

extent that would threaten peace and stability of the whole region. As the High Commissioner had mentioned, Israeliforces continued to violate the basic rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to life. In addition, instancesof arbitrary detention, restriction to the exercise of freedom of religion and freedom of movement, as well as violenceagainst children and women, had taken place. All of that reflected the need for the recommendations of theGoldstone report to be applied to bring an end to the culture of impunity. Moreover, the economic, social andcultural rights of Syrian detainees in Golan Heights should be respected. However, that could not be achieved unlessIsrael retreated to the lines of 1947.

ABDULWAHAB ABDULSALAM ATTAR (Saudi Arabia) said the residents of the Palestinian territories continued tosuffer grave human rights violations. The occupier continued to displace people and to demolish houses, defying


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international norms. Saudi Arabia condemned decisions to increase the number of settlements and the recentdecision to build 1,600 new settlements in the Occupied Territories. Israel was continuing to intensify its settlementpolicy. Saudi Arabia called for the adoption of that draft resolution in that regard. International bodies headed by theCouncil had to bring an end to the practice of illegal settlements in the Territories.

HISHAM BADR (Egypt) observed that the number of sessions devoted to this topic was not a goal in itself.The issue was results, and the resolutions taken during this session were meant to send a strong message

from the international community to Israel so that it put an end to occupation and to practices that were asystematic and daily violation of the rights of the Palestinian people and those in the Occupied Syrian Golanand other territories. Israel had ignored all human rights guaranteed by international documents and hadignored the realities not just the geographical ones, but also the cultural rights of those people as seenby the annexation of the Bilal Mosque. Israel also continued to defy the international community byundermining the area around the Al-Aqsa Mosque and, through the Gaza blockade, had created ahumanitarian disaster affecting 1.5 million people. Egypt rejected all attempts by Israel to dismemberPalestinian lands and change the geography and landscape of the Occupied Territories, including EastJerusalem. Egypt continued to deplore the lack of efforts for dialogue between the two parties leadingtowards a comprehensive and just peace, with two States, and East Jerusalem as the capital of thePalestinian State. Egypt believed the occupation was illegal and a violation of international laws includingthe United Nations Charter and Security Council resolution 497 of 1981. Israel should respect all UnitedNations resolutions on the issue, and pressure should be brought to bear on Israel in that regard, as well asto free all prisoners. What was at stake was the credibility of the Council. It was imperative to apply the samenorms to all without exception.

VALERY LOSHCHININ (Russian Federation) said the Russian Federation was concerned by ongoing human rightsviolations in the Occupied Arab Territories, including in the Golan Heights. It supported negotiations to achieve anequitable solution to the Middle East conflict. A meeting of the Quartet of international facilitators had taken place inMoscow recently in order to seek ways to solve the Middle East problem. The Quartet had criticized Israel's decisionto build new settlements and had called on the Israeli Government to halt all of its settlement activities. Consultationswere under way and it was hoped that it would be possible to agree to a wording acceptable to all, in particularthe need to transform efforts into a ceasefire. The Russian Federation was also concerned about the gravehumanitarian situation caused by the blockade of Gaza. However, Israel's legitimate security concerns hadalso to be taken into account. In that context, the rocket fire from Gaza was condemned and the RussianFederation also called for the freeing of Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit.

PABLO BERTI OLIVA (Cuba) said Cuba adhered to the statement delivered by Egypt on behalf of the Non-AlignedMovement. They had witnessed the impunity committed by the occupying forces. At this meeting, they had seen that

Israel was continuing with its expansive policies. Cuba reiterated its condemnation of those actions. Theconstruction and illegal settlement of lands throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories had to stop immediately.Israel also continued to violate the human rights of Syrian citizens. Cuba thus supported the Non-Aligned Movement'sconcern on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Golan Heights. Cuba reaffirmed its unequivocal support forthe Arab people against occupation as well as the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehoodwith East Jerusalem as their capital.

EILEEN CHAMBERLAIN DONAHOE (United States) said the Council had too often been exploited as aplatform from which to single out Israel, while ignoring other significant human rights situations. Thatunbalanced approach had undermined the credibility of the Council, and the United States stronglyencouraged it to eliminate the institutional bias embodied by that agenda item and cease convening highlypoliticized and unconstructive special sessions focusing solely on alleged violations of international law byIsrael. The unbalanced attention devoted to Israel was unconstructive for the larger peace process, and alsocame at the cost of diminishing the ability of Council members to focus on other urgent and pressingproblems around the world. The human rights record of States should be scrutinized under a common

rubric, rather than having a separate standing agenda item for a specific country. All Governments wereresponsible for abiding by their international human rights law obligations. Israel, like every other country,should examine its own human rights record and the Palestinians should examine their human rights record.The Council should develop a more constructive approach to these issues and the United States would workto ensure that it was tackling the critical human rights issues of this era.

MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN (Bangladesh) said the situation in the Occupied Arab Territories remained a permanentconcern for Bangladesh. The Goldstone report had provided a comprehensive account of the plight of the people ofthe Occupied Palestinian Territories. Despite all requests and calls for an end of settlement activities by Israel, thoseactivities continued unabated, as well as the construction of separation walls despite contrary recommendations. The


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Palestinian people had been obstructed from accessing natural resources and poverty and unemployment had risento alarming levels due to deliberate actions by the occupying power. Israel regularly violated the provisions of theFourth Geneva Convention and those of international law and committed crimes against humanity, as highlighted bythe Goldstone report. The Council had to take a clear stand on the violation of fundamental human rights and standby the side of the oppressed; the Palestinians were entitled to a live in dignity.

AHMET UZUMCU (Turkey) said Turkey regretted that the situation in the Middle East had not improved since

the last Council session on the topic. Turkey had examined the High Commissioner's report, which providedan objective description of the human rights situation in the region. If implemented, the recommendationscould contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation. All efforts made by the Council shouldserve the ultimate objective of reaching a comprehensive and durable solution. Unilateral actionsundermining such efforts could fuel a new cycle of violence and had to stop. The decision to launchproximity talks between Israel and Palestine was a positive step. Turkey hoped that those talks would restoreconfidence between parties and pave the way for substantive, comprehensive negotiations. The peaceprocess had to be reactivated on all its tracks without further delay and brought to a conclusion as early aspossible.

MOHAMED SAUD AL-RAWAHI (Oman) said the thirteenth session of the Human Rights Council was being held asthe situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and other Occupied Arab Territories was seeing a notableescalation in the systematic aggression by the Occupying Authorities. The last war against Gaza had been a clearviolation of international human rights and humanitarian law, and of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The policies ofclosure, destruction, roadblocks, wall building, settlement activities and excavations around Al-Aqsa were only a

consolidation of the efforts to deny an independent Palestinian State . The Arab States had extended their handto Israel through the Arab Peace Initiative. The language of war would lead nowhere violence would only lead tomore violence. The road to peace was the only solution for the Palestinian question. There should be a resumption ofpeace activities and peace should be given a chance.

OMAR HILALE (Morocco) said this meeting was being held in a unique international context. Efforts had been madeby various parties to bring parties to the negotiating table and there had been calls for the resumption of negotiations,which was very important. Morocco condemned Israel's creation of 1,600 new housing units in the OccupiedTerritories, which was against international laws and constituted a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions.Morocco endorsed the statements issued by the United Nations Secretary-General and the American Vice-President.To achieve peace, Israel had to stop its abuses; otherwise it was not possible that Palestinians could enjoy theirfundamental human rights. In view of the deplorable situation, priority had to be given to achieving peace andstopping Israel's de facto occupation. The United Nations had to play the role incumbent on it so as to achievepeaceful coexistence between the two sides, and the creation of a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its

capital.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) expressed concern that there had been an escalation in aggression in the OccupiedPalestinian Territories, particularly with the annexation of historic sites. It was urgent to bring to an end the impunity inthe Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Council had to send a clear message to the occupying power. Just andlasting peace could only be attained once the rights of the Palestinian people were respected. That would alsoinclude the cessation of violence in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Algeria called on the Council to adopt thedraft resolution before it.

DANTE MARTINELLI (Switzerland) said only the political determination of the parties to find a solution to the conflictcould solve the situation and lead to a lasting improvement of the human rights of the parties involved. The severity ofthe restriction on the movement of those in the Gaza Strip ran counter to international human rights and humanitarianlaw, as well as the will of the international community, which had made considerable funds available forreconstruction that had not yet begun, causing more suffering. It was key that a solution was found that took intoaccount the imperatives of security in order to find a lasting improvement of the conditions of life in Gaza. Continuing

colonization made it more difficult to find a lasting solution, and cast doubts as to Israel's will to support theconstruction of a viable Palestinian State. The situation in East Jerusalem was particularly alarming, where thedestruction of housing and the revocation of residency permits were also a violation of international law. Switzerlandwas very concerned by increasing restrictions on freedom of organization and movement for organizations working inthe field. Violations of human rights had to stop, and the violators brought to justice. For its part, the PalestinianAuthority should implement the High Commissioner's recommendations with regard to crimes of honour.

HASHIM OTHMAN (Malaysia) said Malaysia reaffirmed the significance of this agenda item on the human rightssituation in Palestine and other Occupied Arab Territories that allowed the international community to take action onareas of concern. When Israel had participated in the Universal Periodic Review exercise, no reference had been


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made to the Occupied Palestinian Territories and other Occupied Arab Territories, Malaysia observed. OperationCast Lead and the building of the separation wall, among other actions, now underscored the need for urgentinternational consensus and international action to tackle the growing culture of impunity in the Occupied PalestinianTerritories and other Occupied Arab Territories.

VERTURLIDI THOR STEFANSSON (Iceland) said the situation remained of grave concern and continued to threatenstability beyond the Middle East region. The situation remained unacceptable by international standards. It would take

decades to restore the underground water supplies. Iceland condemned Israel's decision to set up new housing inEast Jerusalem. Every effort had to be made to improve the human rights and the humanitarian situation of thePalestinian people. Those included their freedom of movement, and of expression, including their freedom to worship.The current situation, as illustrated in this debate, was unacceptable.

IBRAHIM SAIED MOHAMED AL-ADOOFI (Yemen) said the continuing occupation of the Occupied PalestinianTerritories and the Syrian Golan was a clear violation of all international instruments including the United NationsCharter and other international instruments. Israel was continuing illegal settlement activities, and other violationssuch as the building of the Separation Wall, the construction around the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and was causing thesuffering of Palestinian civilians. The threat to peace and security in the region was undeniable. The Human RightsCouncil and the international community as a whole were called upon today to shoulder their responsibilities. AConference of the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention should be called to ensure that Israelapplied the Convention. A continuation of silence by the international community encouraged Israel to act as aState above the law and to ignore international human rights and humanitarian law. Israel must abide by theFourth Geneva Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and provide immediate protection to

Palestinian civilians, and abide by article 146 of the Convention on the prosecution of those responsible forgrave violations of the Convention.

DHARAR ABDUL-RAZZAK RAZZOOQI (Kuwait) said there was a need to ask ourselves what progress had beenmade since the Council had last held a debate on the Occupied Arab Territories. The situation in those territories hadworsened to unprecedented levels; Israel had passed at least 21 bills discriminating against Palestinians; the closureof Gaza had continued with not a single bag of cement being allowed into Gaza; there was a new tone with the threatof using force against Lebanon and against Syria; and settlement activities were taking place at unprecedentedlevels. The situation in the Occupied Arab Territories and in Golan Heights was dire and the people were helpless.There was no peace in the land of peace.

ADEL SHALTUT (Libya) said Israel had committed the most abject crimes against humanity. The Goldstonereport had lifted the veil on atrocities committed by Israel. Unfortunately, the recommendations in the reporthad not been fulfilled to date, since some large powers had not seriously tried to translate them. The Security

Council had not done what it needed to do. Unfortunately, force was only used against the Third World. Israelclearly planned to build over 1,000 new settlements. They erected a wall to separate people. There was ablockade, which was smashing people. Women were giving birth at checkpoints and dying and seeing theirchildren die. What was being done about these rights that were being violated? International silence wasmaking it possible for Israel to continue with its contempt for the law. Libya called upon the internationalcommunity to exert efforts to force Israel to withdraw from the Occupied Palestinian Territories and theSyrian Golan Heights.

MESBAH ANSARI (Iran) said the international community had been continuously witnessing a non-stop spate ofviolations of international human rights and humanitarian law against the people of Palestine and other OccupiedPalestinian Territories which had occurred in a systematic and consistent manner for more than half a century. Thesituation was exacerbated by the blockade that the population of Gaza had endured in the months prior to the recentmilitary aggression and as a result, a large number of innocent people had been killed and many others had beeninjured. In addition to that, imposed restrictions on the movement of people and goods had a negative impact on theGaza Strip population's enjoyment of their human rights, particularly their economic, social and cultural rights and

their right to life, human dignity, and freedom of movement. Further, the blockade caused a humanitarian crisis with adestructive impact on life in Gaza. Iran strongly condemned all forms of crime committed against the innocent peoplein the occupied territories including Palestinian territories, the Gaza Strip as well as the Syrian Golan Heights wherethe human rights situation was deteriorating. Iran called upon the international community to take more concretemeasures to prevent further deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in these territories. As longas the occupation continued the world would not witness peace, security and realization of human rights in the region.

KSHENUKA SENEVIRATHNE (Sri Lanka) said Sri Lanka shared the deep concern expressed on the currentdeteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine and other Occupied Palestinian Territories. Sri Lanka called on theparties concerned to maintain restraint in order to ameliorate the situation on the ground and help advance the peace


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process to which both parties were committed. It was Sri Lanka's firm belief that it was only through meaningfulnegotiations that a two State settlement, as envisaged by all, could be achieved. Thereby an en

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