Bloody Sunday Trust calls on Irish Government to implement Occupied Territories Bill

Derry's Bloody Sunday Trust has called on the Dublin Government to implement the Occupied Territories Bill without delay.

The Trust's call followed the Dublin Government's testimony to International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem.

The Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 was passed in full by Seanad  Éireann in 2018, and passed its first vote in Dáil Éireann in early 2019.

Following detailed  scrutiny the Oireachtas Select Committee on Foreign and Affairs and Trade then approved the Bill  in December 2019. 

Trust Chairperson, Tony Doherty said: "Despite this and despite Ireland formally recognising the 'de facto annexation' of Palestinian  land in 2021, it has continued trading with settlements that are illegal under international law, on the grounds that EU trade rules prevent unilateral action by individual states. 

"While the EU does have common rules on trade, exceptions can however be justified 'on  grounds of public morality, public policy or public security, and the protection of health and life  of humans'. 

"In his address to the International Court of  Justice, Attorney General, Rossa Fanning said Israel’s occupation of Palestinian Territories  involved serious breaches of international law and of the right of the Palestinian people to self - determination. These breaches must be reversed and reparations made for the damage caused. 

"Leo Varadkar correctly stated at the recent Munich Security Conference that Israel is not a 'normal, liberal, western democracy' and has not been one for  some time,'" said Mr Doherty.

Mr Doherty continued: "In these circumstances, there can be no doubt that Israel is in  breach of the human rights clauses within its trade agreements with the EU.

"The Occupied  Territories Bill when implemented will demonstrate that in response Ireland is willing and able  to fully discharge its responsibilities under international law. Furthermore with co-ordination  on procurement policies through the North South Ministerial institutions it can be ensured that  no part of Ireland is directly, or indirectly, involved in providing economic support to illegal  settlements in occupied Palestinian territory."