Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Nairobi, 30 October 2025 – A week before shareholders at the Tesla Annual General Meeting are expected to sign off a pay package that could make Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire, Greenpeace is urging governments to lay the ground for a global tax reform at the upcoming UN Tax Convention negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya. Greenpeace criticises that billionaires and their polluting industries are hoarding extreme wealth, while there is a lack of funds for climate action. From the tax convention negotiations in Nairobi to the COP30 in Belém, Greenpeace is sending a clear message to governments: to meet their climate and nature commitments, they must start by taxing extreme wealth – a step that would not harm the vast majority of people but could be used to benefit people and the planet. 

Fred Njehu, Greenpeace Africa Fair Share Political Lead, said: “Instead of enabling one person to become a trillionaire, governments should unlock that same scale of wealth – the $1.7 trillion, which a billionaire and multi-millionaire tax could generate per year globally – to protect lives and secure our common future. A fair billionaire tax could fund climate flood prevention, clean air, green cities, affordable housing, and nature protection. There is no lack of money, only a failure to make the richest of the rich pay their fair share. Governments must act on behalf of the majority of people and listen to what many economic experts suggest: tax the super-rich and their polluting corporations to finance a fair green transition.” 

To illustrate the issue, Greenpeace Africa and Greenpeace International today launched an interactive, video game-like tool called “The Billionaire Taxometer” [1] which allows players to get an idea of how much taxes they pay compared to the amount reportedly paid by the richest man on Earth, showing how unfair the current tax system is in most countries. The aim is also to call attention to the absurdity of companies that reportedly have paid only $48 million in the last 3 years in profit taxes while proposing to give multi billion pay packages to their CEO. The environmental organisations argue that tax rules benefit billionaires at the expense of the environment and people, and as the climate and nature crisis is disproportionately driven by the consumption and investments of the richest individuals [2] it should be common sense to make the super-rich pay according to their ‘ecological moral dues.’

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Notes: 

[1] The tool is free to use, available online and uses the results of ProPublica’s investigation and Americans for Tax Fairness, which measured Elon Musk’s tax rate against the increase in his wealth for 2018.

[2] High-income groups disproportionately contribute to climate extremes worldwide

Contacts

Fred Njehu, Policy Lead Fair Share at Greenpeace Africa, +254 723583251, [email protected] 

Christine Gebeneter, EU Communication Lead, People over Greed project, part of the Global Fair Share campaign, Greenpeace Central-and Eastern Europe, +43 664 8403807, [email protected] 

Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

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Source: Greenpeace Statement –

CANBERRA, 30 OCTOBER 2025 — Greenpeace has warned that the revamped laws will fall far short if critical gaps in addressing deforestation, climate impacts and excessive Ministerial discretion are not fixed. 

Environment Minister Murray Watt will today table Bills for a reformed national nature law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). Greenpeace has urged Parliament to work together to fix major gaps in the draft legislation, and ensure they pass an environmental protection law that actually protects nature. 

David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: 

“The Albanese government was returned to power promising to fix Australia’s broken nature laws and the Bills as they stand do not deliver on that promise.

“There is long needed architecture in these Bills that, if significantly improved, could present major gains for nature–but right now it falls well short of what is needed.

“We strongly support overhauling Australia’s broken nature laws. But the Bills as tabled fail to address the two key drivers of extinction and the destruction of nature-deforestation and climate change. 

“Stopping deforestation and getting real about the impact of climate damage on nature are the acid test.

“The level of discretion remaining with the Minister in applying the law, could also seriously undermine the effectiveness of any reforms, including a broad “national interest” exemption and approvals.

“Similarly, the proposal to cede key Commonwealth powers, such as overseeing the water trigger applying to coal and gas projects, to the states and territories is a bad move that should be rejected.

“Parliament must work together to fix these significant shortcomings in the Bills, to deliver an environmental protection law that actually protects nature.”

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Source: Amnesty International –

The U.S. air strikes in Latin America and the Caribbean which have killed at least 57 people since early September are illegal, and Congress must act now to stop the U.S. government from carrying out further bombings, Amnesty International said today. 

“In the last two months, the U.S. military’s Southern Command has gone on a murder spree by following the Trump administration’s illegal orders,” said Daphne Eviatar, Amnesty International USA’s Director for Human Rights and Security. “The administration has not even named its victims, nor provided evidence of their alleged crimes. But even if they did, intentionally killing people accused of committing crimes who pose no imminent threat to life is murder, full stop. 

“It is well past time for Congress to exercise its oversight role over the administration’s unlawful behavior, put an end to these illegal air strikes, and hold those responsible for these murders accountable.” 

It is well past time for Congress to exercise its oversight role over the administration’s unlawful behavior, put an end to these illegal air strikes, and hold those responsible for these murders accountable.” 

Daphne Eviatar, Amnesty International USA’s Director for Human Rights and Security.

Source: Amnesty International –

An Amnesty International delegation will join abortion providers and defenders from across the globe at two gatherings in Bogotá, Colombia, to review progress on expanding access to safe abortions and to discuss new strategies to counter rising threats to human rights.  

The delegation will take part in a number of panels at the Latin American Consortium Against Unsafe Abortion (CLACAI) (30 Oct – 1 Nov), and the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) (4-6 Nov).  

 “While many advances have been made towards ensuring life-saving abortion services are available and accessible, anti-abortion narratives and legislation are gaining ground around the world, posing new threats,” said Fernanda Doz Costa, Director of the Gender Justice, Racial Justice, Migrants and Refugees Programme at Amnesty International, who will take part in a number of panels. 

“Despite all the risks, brave activists and health professionals continue to work to protect the hard-earned right to access the essential healthcare that so many people’s lives depend on. These gatherings are a clear signal that the movement to protect gender equality is standing strong in the face of many challenges, and it is a source of inspiration.” 

These gatherings are a clear signal that the movement to protect gender equality is standing strong in the face of many challenges, and it is a source of inspiration.

Fernanda Doz Costa, Director of the Gender Justice, Racial Justice, Migrants and Refugees Programme at Amnesty International

Criminalization of abortion is the biggest contributing factor to the estimated 35 million unsafe abortions that occur every year. It means healthcare staff are constantly caught between their ethical and professional duty to provide the best available care and being criminally liable if they do not follow harmful laws. 

A report by Amnesty International found that, despite many advances, abortion providers and defenders are facing an increasing wave of attacks. In Bogotá, the organization and its partners will also continue promoting the Key Principles and actions to safeguard abortion care providers as human rights defenders and advocate for new narratives to advance reproductive justice through the new campaign “Latido Común.”  

Source: Amnesty International –

Reacting to a ruling by the High Court in Malawi that denying a 14-year-old rape survivor access to a safe termination of pregnancy violated her sexual and reproductive health rights under Sections 19 and 20 of the Gender Equality Act (GEA), Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa regional office, Tigere Chagutah, said;

“In a country where abortion remains largely criminalized, this landmark ruling sets an important precedent. It affirms that forcing a woman or girl to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term is a violation of their rights. It safeguards the constitutional and human rights of survivors of sexual violence to access quality abortion care, while protecting them from the life-threatening risks associated with unsafe abortions.

“The ruling further highlights the urgent need for Malawi to reform its restrictive abortion laws and revise its national guidelines on post-abortion care. Only then can the country meet its obligations under regional and international law to ensure access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. Safe abortion care must be accessible and affordable for all women and girls in Malawi, including victims of rape.

In a country where abortion remains largely criminalized, this landmark ruling sets an important precedent. It affirms that forcing a woman or girl to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term is a violation of their rights.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

“By now, it should be clear that restrictive abortion laws and abortion-related stigma contribute directly to maternal mortality and suffering. Malawi’s parliament has an opportunity to draft a legal framework that protects women and girls’ lives, health and dignity.”

Background

Abortion is punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment in Malawi, with a limited exception “for the preservation of the mother’s life.”  The country has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, recently estimated at 381 deaths per 100,000 live births. Between 6% and 18% of maternal deaths are estimated to be attributable to complications related to unsafe abortions.

The case was filed on behalf of a girl, (named as AC, as she is a minor) who fell pregnant after rape, against the Attorney General, the Ministry of Health and others. She was initially denied a safe abortion at Chileka Health Centre by a clinician who feared legal repercussions. However, following a second opinion she later underwent a safe termination at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

On 28 October 2025, the court awarded K50 million (USD 29,000) in damages for violation of AC’s rights, pain and suffering, and loss of amenities of life.

Source: Amnesty International –

Reacting to the news that two people were killed and several others injured during protests today calling for a boycott of this year’s general elections, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said: 

The authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all before, during and after the elections.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

“Reports that one general member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. The risk of further escalation is high – we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters. 

“The Tanzanian authorities must promptly conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the unlawful use of lethal force against protesters, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.  

Reports that one general member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. The risk of further escalation is high – we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters. 

Tigere Chagutah

“A reported nationwide internet disruption in Tanzania threatens to further inflame the situation. The authorities must allow unrestricted access to information both online and offline by ensuring full internet access and allowing local and international media to report freely on the election. The authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all before, during and after the elections.”  

Background 

Tanzanians went to the polls on 29 October, in an election dominated by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, with the two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu from Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, in English, Party for Democracy and Progress), and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo, barred from standing. erified videos showed largelypeaceful protesters on the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza among other towns.  Ahead of the elections, Amnesty International launched a briefing which outlined how the Tanzanian authorities have intensified their repression of dissent against the opposition, journalists, civil society and human rights defenders. 

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

This morning a team of Greenpeace activists installed prison bars around three iconic statues in Parliament Square to highlight the government’s apparent desire to cast protesters as criminals and terrorists. 

The activists imprisoned statues of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and the Suffragist Millicent Fawcett – all famous protesters who helped end injustice and secure democratic freedoms. But despite being celebrated as heroes at the heart of Westminster, they could fall foul of the government’s anti-protest laws and be branded as criminals if they were still protesting today.

It comes as analysis by Greenpeace shows that of all the arrests made under the Terrorism Act since it came into force 24 years ago, almost half of them (2,100 out of 4,322) occurred in the last four months, and targeted people holding signs at silent vigils against the proscription of Palestine Action. The Greenpeace analysis also showed that the Crown Prosecution Service has charged more people (144) with terror-related offences in just two months of 2025 than in any entire year since 2001, including the years of the 7/7 bombings and the Westminster, London Bridge and Manchester Arena attacks.

Zack Polanski, Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales said: “Calling peaceful protesters ‘terrorists’ is one of the most blatantly ridiculous and dangerous things this government has done. Nelson Mandela was jailed for fighting apartheid, this lot would’ve called him a national security threat. When we criminalise protest, we don’t just attack activists. We attack democracy itself.”

The activists descended on the square at 8:45am and installed wooden bars around the statues, modelled on those used in UK prisons. The operation was carefully designed and rehearsed to ensure that no harm was caused to any of the monuments. They also installed a number of signs saying: ‘Protest is not a crime’ dotted around the square. 

Today’s installation is a protest against the government’s increasingly authoritarian crackdown on protest, implemented through the proscription of Palestine Action, new powers for police to clamp down on protesters, and yet another review of the policing of protest promising even more restrictions.

Areeba Hamid, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: “If these people were protesting today, this government would not hesitate to arrest them. We’ve put Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Millicent Fawcett behind bars to remind people of everything protest has given us – freedom, equality and democracy. But this government wants you to see protesters as terrorists. In the last few months thousands of peaceful protesters have been arrested under the Terrorism Act, right here in front of these heroes. Meanwhile, on the other side of the square, Parliament is debating even more draconian laws to remove more of our rights. This should worry us all, the right to protest and make our voice heard is what makes a democracy, and it’s being taken away.” 

Building on anti-protest laws brought in by the last government, the Labour government is attempting to introduce even more powers in the Crime and Policing Bill. These would enable police to ban protests near churches and religious buildings – essentially powers to restrict protest in any urban area – and to ban face coverings at protests – even for religious or health reasons. The Crime and Policing Bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords, with committee stage beginning 10 November.

The government plans to introduce new police powers to ban repeat protests based on their ‘cumulative impact’. The ‘cumulative impact’ of repeated disruptive protests by Fawcett, Gandhi, Mandela and the movements they led were votes for women in the UK, an independent India, and the end of Apartheid in South Africa.

Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, said: “From Emily Davison to Rosa Parks, history shows that society often only recognises its heroes in the rear-view mirror. By crushing what little right to protest remains, this government isn’t keeping order, it’s silencing tomorrow’s heroes before they can even speak. The right to protest is how ordinary people hold the powerful to account, expose injustice, and demand a better world. Strip that away, and you strip away democracy itself. We have to stand together and resist this slide into authoritarianism, because once protest is gone, power answers to no one.”

Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East, said: 

“Protest, by its very nature, is meant to be disruptive. That’s often what makes it effective, winning important change throughout history.

“Giving the police powers to ban repeat protests would allow authorities to stifle dissent arbitrarily. With the prospect of a far-right government on the horizon, this is especially concerning.

“No one should have that kind of unchecked power in a democracy. The Home Secretary must rethink this course of action before it is too late.” 

Baroness Jenny Jones of the Green Party of England and Wales said: 

“Protest is a fundamental right in a democracy. It can be noisy, inconvenient, disruptive, but it is still precious as a way to defend ourselves against Government censorship aiming to silence opposition to unpopular policies. Our government has been bringing in more and more repressive authoritarian legislation. That is deeply unhealthy for us all. Protests are vital.”

Parliament Square has been the main location for a series of silent vigils opposing the proscription of Palestine Action – a direct action protest group targeting the Israeli arms industry in the UK. Proscription means that showing support for Palestine Action is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. Since July, there have been at least 2,100 arrests under section 13 of the act which relates to displaying or publishing articles or images in support of a proscribed organisation. 

Greenpeace campaigns using a wide variety of protest tactics have led to the end of coal and fracking and the introduction of offshore wind in the UK, as well as worldwide bans on whaling and nuclear testing, and a Global Oceans Treaty protecting the high seas. 

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Contact

To arrange an interview with a Greenpeace spokesperson, contact the Greenpeace UK Press Office – press.uk@greenpeace.org or 07896 893 154.

Notes

Photo and video available here.

The calculation of arrests was made by comparing media reports which say there have been at least 2,100 terror-related arrests at rallies since Palestine Action was proscribed on 5 July 2025, with official annual data from Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters Coordination Centre. These (page A.01) show that 2,222 people have been arrested under the Terrorism Act from 11 September 2001 until 31 March 2025. The Terrorism Act came into force in February 2001. 

Data from the Crown Prosecution Service (here and here) shows that at least 144 people have been charged with offences under the Terrorism Act at Palestine Action rallies between 5 July and 5 September 2025. Data from CTPHQ (page A.04) show the highest number of people charged in any full year since 2001 was 134 people in 2018.

More detail about the cumulative impact of Greenpeace protests can be found here: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/about-greenpeace/victories/ 

Source: Amnesty International –

A new, in-depth investigation by Amnesty International concludes that a US air strike on a migrant detention centre in Sa’ada, north-western Yemen, on 28 April 2025 that killed and injured dozens of African migrants amounted to an indiscriminate attack. US authorities must promptly and transparently investigate it as a war crime.  

The attack, carried out by the US military during “Operation Rough Rider,” inflicted catastrophic civilian harm on vulnerable migrants, many of whom were held by the Huthi de facto authorities in the detention centre solely for their irregular immigration status. 

‘It is a miracle we survived’: US air strike on civilians held in Sa’ada detention centre is based on interviews with 15 survivors, all of whom were Ethiopian migrants detained in Sa’ada, and analysis of digital evidence, including satellite imagery, photos and videos. The report provides compelling evidence that, in carrying out this attack, the US failed to abide by its obligation under international humanitarian law to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives. 

The strike killed and injured dozens of the migrants held at the detention centre at the time of the attack. Survivors who spoke to Amnesty International were able to identify by name and approximate age 16 of the people – all Ethiopian migrants, all men and most in their twenties – who had been killed.  

This was a lethal failure by the US to comply with one of its core obligations under international humanitarian law.

Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“The harrowing testimonies from survivors paint a clear picture of a civilian building, packed with detainees, being bombed without distinction. This was a lethal failure by the US to comply with one of its core obligations under international humanitarian law: to do everything feasible to verify whether the object attacked was a military objective,” said Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.  

“Victims and their families should receive full reparation, including financial compensation. Given the air strike killed and injured civilians, the US authorities should investigate this attack as a war crime. Where sufficient evidence exists, competent authorities should prosecute any person suspected of criminal responsibility, including under the doctrine of command responsibility.” 

Amnesty International formally requested information from US Central Command (CENTCOM) and US Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) on 27 August 2025, detailing its findings and seeking clarification on the military objective attacked and the precautions taken. CENTCOM provided only a brief response on the same day the request was sent, stating that it was still “assessing all reports of civilian harm”, that it was taking all of them “seriously” and reviewing them “thoroughly”.  

Amnesty International also requested information from the Huthi de facto authorities on 11 September 2025, sharing its findings and seeking clarification regarding the uses of the Sa’ada prison compound and the migrant detention centre, the number of people detained at the time of the attack, their conditions of detention, and what steps, if any, the Huthi authorities took to investigate the failure of prison guards to allow detainees to seek safe shelter.   

The Huthi Ministry of Justice and Human Rights provided two detailed responses on 24 September and 6 October 2025, including information on the number of migrants detained at the centre, denying any wrongdoing in terms of conditions of detention, and sharing a list of casualties from the US air strike.  

Source: Oxfam –

• Since 1990, the richest 0.1% have increased their share of total emissions by 32%, whilst the poorest half of humanity have actually seen their share fall by 3%.
• If everyone emitted carbon like the richest 0.1%, the carbon budget – the amount of CO2 that can be emitted while avoiding climate disaster – would be used up in less than 3 weeks.
• To stay within the limits of the 1.5°C threshold, the richest 0.1% would need to cut their per capita emissions by 99% by 2030. 
• A person from the world’s richest 0.1% emits over 800 kg of CO2 every day. Even the strongest person on earth could not lift this much. In contrast, someone from the poorest 50% of the world emits an average of just 2 kg of CO2 per day, which even a small child could lift. 

Ahead of the major international climate conference COP30 in Belem, Brazil, new Oxfam research finds that the high-carbon lifestyles of the super-rich are blowing through the world’s remaining carbon budget – the amount of CO2 that can be emitted while avoiding climate disaster. The research also details how billionaires are using their political and economic influence to keep humanity hooked on fossil fuels to maximize their private profit. 

The report, “Climate Plunder: How a powerful few are locking the world into disaster”, presents extensive new updated data and analysis which finds that a person from the richest 0.1% produces more carbon pollution in a day than the poorest 50% emit all year. If everyone emitted like the richest 0.1%, the carbon budget would be used up in less than 3 weeks. 

The super-rich are not just overconsuming carbon, but also actively investing in and profiting from the most polluting corporations. Oxfam’s research finds that the average billionaire produces 1.9 million tonnes of CO2e a year through their investments. These billionaires would have to circumnavigate the world almost 10,000 times in their private jets to emit this much. Almost 60% of billionaire investments are classified as being in high climate impact sectors such as oil or mining, meaning their investments emit two and a half times more than an average investment in the S&P Global 1,200. The emissions of the investment portfolios of just 308 billionaires total more than the combined emissions of 118 countries. 

“The climate crisis is an inequality crisis. The very richest individuals in the world are funding and profiting from climate destruction, leaving the global majority to bear the fatal consequences of their unchecked power,” said Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International. 

The power and wealth of super-rich individuals and corporations have also allowed them to wield unjust influence over policymaking and water down climate negotiations. At COP29, 1,773 coal, oil, and gas lobbyists were granted badges, more than the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations combined. Multiple rich and high-emitting countries including the US, UK, France and Germany have watered down climate laws after large donations from anti-climate lobbyists.   

“It is a travesty that power and wealth have been allowed to accumulate in the hands of a few, who are only using it to further entrench their influence and lock us all into a path to planetary destruction. The super-rich and the corporations they run have a deadly track record of bankrolling lobbyists, spreading climate disinformation, and suing NGOs and governments that try to stand in their way. We must break the chokehold of the super-rich over climate policy by taxing their extreme wealth, banning their lobbying and instead put those most affected by the climate crisis in the front seat of climate decision-making,” said Behar. 

The emissions of the richest 1% are enough to cause an estimated 1.3 million heat-related deaths by the end of the century, as well as $44 trillion of economic damage to low- and lower-middle-income countries by 2050. The impacts of these climate damages will disproportionately impact those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis, particularly people living in the Global South, women, girls and Indigenous groups. 

COP30 marks ten years since the Paris Agreement in 2015. During this period, the world’s richest 1% have burnt through more than twice as much of the carbon budget than the poorest half of humanity combined 

Ahead of COP30, Oxfam calls on governments to cut the emissions and dismantle the political and economic power of the super-rich through: 

• Slashing the emissions of the super-rich and make the richest polluters pay, through taxation on extreme wealth, excess profits taxes on fossil fuel corporations, and supporting the UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation. A 60% tax on the total incomes of the richest 1% globally could cut carbon emissions equivalent to the total emissions of the UK and generate in the region of $6.4 trillion.
• Curbing the economic and political influence of the richest by banning fossil fuel corporations from climate negotiations such as COP, implementing sustainability regulations for corporations and financial institutions, and rejecting trade and investment agreements like investor-state dispute settlements (ISDS) that put the interests of the super-wealthy above public good.
• Strengthening the participation of civil society and Indigenous groups in climate negotiations and address the unequal impacts of climate change.
• Adopting a fair-share approach to the remaining climate budget by committing to nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that reflect historical responsibility and capacity to act, and ensuring rich countries deliver ambitious climate finance.
• Building an equal economic system that puts people and planet first by rejecting dominant neoliberal economics and moving towards an economy based on sustainability and equality. 

Source: Amnesty International –

Upon concluding a four-day visit to Ireland in which she met with government officials, civil society organizations and human rights defenders, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

“We have acknowledged the Irish government’s longstanding commitment to protecting human rights around the world and urge it to maintain a sense of utmost urgency in defending the international justice system and holding Israel accountable for its genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, its unlawful occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and its cruel system of apartheid. Now it is time to move from strong words to concrete actions.

“With international institutions under existential threat, Ireland must redouble its efforts to shield it from the mounting attacks. Specifically, Ireland should demand that the EU makes use of its Blocking Statute to nullify the extraterritorial effect of the Trump’s administration sanctions against the International Criminal Court’s officials, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Palestinian NGOs. In the interim, Ireland should also enact its own blocking statute to shield Irish people and entities, as well as those targeted by the sanctions. Such measures are desperately needed to ensure that organizations and individuals are able to contribute to defending human rights and seeking international justice without facing devastating consequences in retaliation for their work.

“The Irish government must continue to exert pressure to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement at upcoming EU meetings in light of Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory and its system of apartheid against Palestinians. Ireland should also lead by example by ensuring that its skies are closed to those subject to ICC arrest warrants, and to transshipment of arms transfers to Israel, and exhort other states to do the same. The Irish government should also ensure the prompt adoption of the Occupied Territories Bill, covering both goods and services, to bring Ireland’s actions in line with international law, and work with likeminded states to push for the adoption of a comprehensive ban on trade with settlements at the EU level.

Inaction in the face of atrocity does not equate to neutrality. The time for the Irish government to act is now.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns

“Concrete action from the Irish government is not only an ethical imperative, but also a legal obligation. Ireland has been one of the few governments to acknowledge that Israel’s crimes against Palestinians in Gaza constitute genocide – a position supported by extensive evidence and analysis from multiple organizations and experts, including Amnesty International. This recognition is a significant step, but it must be followed by taking all reasonably available steps to prevent and punish genocide.

“For more than two years, people in Ireland have taken to the streets to demand an end to the genocide and to call on their government to take meaningful action. These demands include addressing the historical root causes of the crisis, such as Israel’s unlawful occupation and the apartheid system it has imposed on all Palestinians.

“Recently, 16 Irish citizens were arbitrarily detained by Israeli authorities while participating in one of the most powerful and symbolic acts of humanitarian solidarity, the Global Sumud Flotilla. Alongside more than 500 international activists, they sought to break Israel’s unlawful blockade and deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza’s besieged and suffering civilians.

“It is deeply concerning that, despite public reports of ill-treatment and cruelty faced by Flotilla defenders at the hands of Israeli forces, including Irish citizens, we’ve heard from some of them that the Irish government has yet to reach out to them, investigate their experiences, and take concrete steps to hold perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable.

“Ireland now stands at a crossroads. The government must match its principled stance with bold and tangible actions that reflect the will of its people and its obligations under international law. Inaction in the face of atrocity does not equate to neutrality. The time for the Irish government to act is now.”

During her visit to Dublin from 22 to 25 October, Erika Guevara-Rosas met with officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs & Trade the Irish Commission for Human Rights and Equality, and several civil society organizations, including the Irish Anti-Apartheid Campaign for Palestine and human rights defenders from humanitarian flotillas.

Her visit came after Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard met with Ireland’s head of state and head of government in July.