Friday January 26, 2024

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] welcomes the ruling by the International Court of Justice on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by the South African government in the case concerning the application of the convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The ruling by the International Court of Justice comes against the background of South Africa having filed an application instituting proceedings against Israel concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide [Genocide Convention] in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The application by the government also requested the ICJ to indicate provisional measures in order to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention and to ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention not to engage in genocide.

As NEHAWU, we must applaud the government for launching this historic case at the International Court of Justice. Indeed, this case by the government will go down in the annals of history as a defining and landmark moment in the fight for the total liberation of Palestinians against the murderous regime of Israel. Equally, we must salute the government for its resoluteness and firm position with the People of Palestine even against the onslaught directed to it by Israel and imperialist forces such as the United States and Britain, who continue solidifying and supporting the Israeli military attack and illegal occupation of Palestine.

This ruling has without doubt proven correct the decision taken by the government to approach the ICJ despite the Zionist propaganda offensive which has challenged the country’s foreign policy as it relates to supporting the national liberation struggle of the Palestinians. Equally, this ruling by the ICJ should embolden Palestinians to continue with their unwavering struggle to end colonial and imperialist occupation, reclaim their lands, and exercise their democratic national sovereignty free from oppression by Israel.

The ruling now necessitates for United Nations and the UN Security Council to assume their responsibility for the protection of innocent Palestinians. Equally, Israel must respect the ruling of the ICJ and immediately adhere to the measures as directed by the international court.

As NEHAWU, we continue calling for an end to the unjust Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, and for protection of the Palestinian people. We remain steadfast and resolute in our solidarity with the People of Palestine for an end of the illegal occupation, killings, and human rights violations. In this regard, we continue to call for:

• Israel end the occupation and dismantle the apartheid wall, which contravenes international law

• A universal right of return for Palestinian refugees

• Full equality for Palestinians

• An end to the colonial settler expansionism of Israel

• Stop all forms of human rights violations

Lastly, we reiterate our unwavering International Solidarity with the People of Palestine. Palestinians have a right to peace, justice and security and the right to an independent and sovereign state.

“From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free”.

END

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat

Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335 or email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za