This Wednesday (20 August), Environment Southland will decide whether to exclude companies complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements from council contracts, a step already taken by Christchurch, Nelson, and Environment Canterbury.
The proposal, brought by locals and members of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA), would align procurement with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, co-sponsored by New Zealand in 2016, which declared the settlements a “flagrant violation under international law” and “major obstacle” to peace.
“This is a small, conservative step to align with foreign policy and keep ratepayer money clear of war crimes,” said the group. “Our government already allows exclusions on human-rights grounds. The UN maintains the list of companies on our behalf. The only question is whether councillors will act.”
Last month, Israel’s parliament voted 71-13 to annex the West Bank. At the same time, UN experts confirmed the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out” in Gaza, with more than 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition this year and a death toll nearing 62,000.
“The International Court of Justice has ruled Israel’s 57-year occupation breaches international law on apartheid and racial segregation.” said the group. “When ratepayer money is complicit, we undermine the very system of law New Zealand relies on for its own security. We cannot look away while children starve.”
Invercargill narrowly rejected the same measure in June, a 6–6 split decided by the mayor Nobby Clark’s casting vote, despite staff advice to adopt the change.
“Environment Southland still has a chance to lead,” said the group. “Hundreds of councils worldwide have already acted. With thousands rallying across New Zealand this weekend to MPs pressing for sanctions, history will judge whether we chose complicity or integrity.”