We, the undersigned, represent leading civil society, human rights, political, faith organisations and trade unions in New South Wales.
We will always stand together to defend the right to protest in New South Wales. Justice, peace and solidarity are our shared values.
University Students around the world recognise that their governments and institutions have failed to take meaningful action with respect to Palestine. This includes the University of Sydney, where a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" has been established.
The activists at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment are maintaining a constant 24/7 protest and are occupying parts of the University of Sydney campus. NSW Council for Civil Liberties supports their call for the Australian Government to take decisive action; including:
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Exerting their influence, pressure and diplomatic measures to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
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Ending Australia's military trade with Israel.
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Enacting sanctions against Israeli officials who have called for the denial of aid, and military and civil servants denying essential food and materials to civilians of Gaza;
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Ensuring that the University of Sydney divests and cuts ties with Israeli Universities and weapons manufacturers; and
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Committing additional funding of $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank.
We stand in solidarity with the activists at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment and are planning to send a contingent with food and supplies as a means of providing immediate and practical assistance. We are also in close contact with the activists and legal observers and are monitoring the welfare of the activists.
We urge the Australian Government to seriously consider the calls of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. It has been over six months since Israel commenced a military campaign against Gaza, whilst at the same time strengthening their illegal settlements in the West Bank. Over 34, 000 innocent Palestinian civilians, the majority of which are women and children, have died in the most horrific circumstances. Over 50% of the civilian population have been displaced. All of the University campuses in Gaza have been destroyed. Both Israel and Egypt are blocking humanitarian aid whilst civilians are starving.
The calls from the growing protest movements across Australia and internationally are united in one simple message: You must do more.
