This motion was passed at GUCU Branch meeting on 16/11/2023
Goldsmiths UCU:
- Expresses sadness and devastation at the recent immense suffering and loss of life in Palestine and Israel and unequivocally condemns the murder of civilians, regardless of their religion or nationality.
- Condemns the terrible violence that was carried out on October 7th against Israeli citizens and migrant workers and offers solidarity to all members and students at Goldsmiths directly impacted by recent events.
- Reaffirms our unwavering solidarity with Palestine. The current violence is endemic to the structures that see Palestinians as less than human, that normalise the massacre of Palestinian people in Gaza, that enable the ongoing and everyday containment, displacement and death of Palestinian people, almost half of whom are under the age of 18.
- Remain committed to fighting antisemitism and Islamophobia in all its forms, in light of the rise in instances of hate crimes and abuse over the last month.
- Is gravely concerned by the ongoing indiscriminate and genocidal bombardment of Gaza by Israel and the intensifying humanitarian crisis and loss of life.
- Condemns the holding of civilian hostages and calls for their immediate release, as well as the release of all Palestinian political prisoners.
- Condemns the cutting off of essential supplies of water, food and electricity to the people of Gaza.
- Notes that war crimes are never justified. International Humanitarian Law upholds that the category of ‘civilians’ is opposable to that of ‘combatants’ and the deliberate killing, imprisonment and collective punishment meted out to civilians are war crimes. We are committed to a future where all people in the region can live in freedom and safety. We believe that human rights must be respected by all sides.
- Is dismayed by the UK government’s ongoing military support of the Israeli state, as well as the failure to resolve the UN security council resolution impasse. All diplomatic efforts must be made for an immediate cessation of aerial bombardment, blockade and ground offensive into Gaza.
- Believes that there is a grave danger of regional escalation to a wider war. The escalating scale of violence against Palestinian people in Gaza and spread of war to the border with Southern Lebanon must stop, as must the targeting of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
- The current conflict cannot be separated from the historical context of decades of brutal occupation and denial of sovereignty to Palestinians.
- Affirms UCU’s national policy to protect students and staff who find themselves under attack for supporting the cause of the Palestinian people.
- Affirms UCU’s commitment to the Equality Act and our union’s stand against all forms of discrimination.
This branch resolves:
- To call on the British government, the US Biden administration and EU governments as well as the EU to join international pressure for an immediate ceasefire and to establish humanitarian aid to Palestinians who need this support now more than ever.
- To call on the Senior Management Team at Goldsmiths to assure staff and students that they can use their academic freedom to denounce human rights violations from whatever quarter, including expressions of solidarity with the besieged Palestinian community without any fear of sanctions.
- In the context of the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan’s MP attack on the UKRI’s appointment of two named academics to an equality, diversity, and inclusion expert advisory group on the basis of their social media posts expressing lawful criticisms of the UK and Israeli governments, which the Secretary of State mischaracterises as “extremist.” We encourage members to sign a statement opposing this action.
- To support local and national actions that are called in pursuit of an immediate ceasefire.
- To encourage members to donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
- To respond to the call from Palestinian Trade Unions by:
- Examining our institution’s contractual agreements to ensure we are not doing business with companies involved in implementing Israel’s brutal and illegal siege on Gaza, particularly military companies.
- Examining our institution’s investments to ensure we are not financing companies involved in implementing Israel’s brutal and illegal siege on Gaza particularly military companies.
- Encouraging and pledging practical support to trade union members who refuse to build or handle weapons destined for Israel.
- Issuing a public statement of solidarity with Palestinian people and expressing support for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel to bring it in line with its obligations under International Law.
- To write to the UCU Secretary and demand that the Union upholds its congressional commitment to BDS, and calls on USS pensions to divest from companies involved in implementing or profiting from Israel’s brutal and illegal siege on Gaza and occupation of the West Bank, particularly weapons manufacturers.