Statement from Cllr Sirajul Islam on the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry Report into Genocide in Gaza

“Our borough has passionately and consistently stood up for the human rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. Over the last two years, we have campaigned as a Labour Group: we were the first Labour Group in the country to call for a ceasefire – hand delivering a letter to the PM, we have attended national and local demonstrations, and have worked cross-party and with our trade union comrades in the council chamber to divert local pensions away from the arms companies that profit from this war.


But we are only local politicians, seeking to reflect the feelings and outrage of our residents who entrusted us with a mandate to speak on their behalf. The responsibility to act lies with our government. As a signatory to the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide, the United Kingdom has a legal obligation to do everything in its power to prevent its continuation. That means considering all options – including further sanctions – to stop the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Next week, at the United Nations, the UK will formally recognise a Palestinian State. This has always been, and always will be, the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. But recognition alone is not enough. The United Kingdom has a duty to ensure this historic decision is not in vain. We must act now to stop the genocide.”

ENDS

Notes:

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry’s report can be found here: a-hrc-60-crp-3.pdf

The PR from the OCHR can be found here: Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, UN Commission finds | OHCHR