Motion submitted by ACCG-FGTB, supported by BTB (BE), SETCa (BE), ACOD Cultuur (BE), CGSLB (BE) and CNE (BE)

‘The framework for UNI Europa’s policy on Palestine is UNI Global’s policies on the matter, in particular Resolution 5 on Palestine adopted at UNI World Congress in Liverpool and Resolution 12 adopted at UNI World Congress in Cape Town denouncing the occupation of Palestine and calling for actions to end economic support for the illegal settlements.

UNI Europa reiterates UNI’s endorsement of the ITUC’s statement of 2013: “We denounce the occupation of Palestine by Israel and will mobilise for a just and sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, in accordance with the legitimacy of international law and in particular Resolutions 242 and 338 of the UN Security Council.

We call for:

  • An end to the construction of illegal Israeli settlements and removal of existing settlements;
  • Israel’s withdrawal from all Palestinian lands, in line with the 4th of June 1967 borders;
  • and the dismantling of the illegal separation wall. These demands will support equity, justice and the achievement of a comprehensive peace confirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

UNI Europa condemns proposed Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories as announced by the Israeli Netanyahu governments in 2019 and 2020 as illegal; it calls upon all its affiliates and the wider labour movement to denounce the potential annexation and commits to support international sanctions on the Israeli government should the Israeli government proceed with the annexation.

UNI Europa welcomes the publication of the United Nations Database of Businesses engaged in activities related to Israeli settlements. UNI Europa reiterates the position taken by the UNI Congress in 2018 that “UNI continues its call for action to end economic support for the illegal settlements, which are an impediment to peace and put the two-state solution beyond reach. UNI will implement this decision actively in relevant UNI sectors.”

UNI Europa will therefore support:

  • actions which impede the expansion of illegal settlements and restrict their access to financial support for growth and construction, such as divestment from companies which finance the construction and development of the illegal settlements.
  • a call upon all employers and investors, especially in banking, insurance, tourism and private security to refrain from providing services to, or doing business with, the illegal settlements and for consumers to boycott goods produced in the settlements.

UNI Europa will demand from the European Union that European instruments (Treaty of Association, conclusions to be drawn from any violation of Article 2 on human rights, public procurement, etc.) to stop the violations of human and social rights arising from the occupation, will be effectively used.

UNI Europa supports the democratic unions in Israel and their effective action promoting the agenda of the Peace camp in Israel.

UNI Europa welcomes the establishment of the European Trade Union Network for Justice in Palestine (ETUN) and commits to inform affiliates about the work of ETUN.