Ireland Amnesty Bill: Government Urged to Proceed
Ireland Urged to Lead EU Action Against Israeli Violations Amidst EU’s “Shameful” Inaction
Dublin, Ireland - In a strong call to action, human rights advocates are urging Ireland to press ahead with its landmark occupied Territories Bill and take unilateral steps to align with international law, particularly considering the European Union’s “shameful decision” not to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel. The plea comes as concerns mount over the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in gaza and the West Bank.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary general of Amnesty International, speaking after a visit to Dublin, lauded Ireland’s “bold efforts to stop Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.” She emphasized that the EU’s refusal to hold Israel accountable underscores the necessity for Ireland and other like-minded member states to act decisively.”International law takes precedence over both EU and national law,” Callamard stated. “We urge the Irish government to press ahead quickly with the Occupied Territories Bill to demonstrate that when the EU fails to act on its values, principled states like Ireland will take a stand.”
The proposed legislation, which aims to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements, is seen as a crucial tool for international justice. Advocates are pushing for its strengthening to encompass a complete ban on all imports and exports of goods and services to and from thes settlements, as well as investments within them.
despite what critics describe as “fearmongering and efforts by certain parties to derail the bill,” Callamard stressed the importance of Ireland remaining “firm in its convictions and commitment to justice.” She highlighted that the bill is “rooted in international law” and would enable Ireland to fully comply with the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion on Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.
The passage of the bill, proponents argue, would serve as a powerful precedent for other EU states, encouraging them to unilaterally suspend all forms of cooperation with Israel that contribute to grave violations of international law.”It cannot be ’business as usual’ while Palestinians are starved and slaughtered while seeking aid or under relentless israeli attacks in Gaza, or killed and forcibly displaced by state-backed Israeli settler violence, devastating military operations and suffocating movement restrictions in the West bank,” Callamard asserted.Drawing parallels to Ireland’s own history of colonization and its role in dismantling apartheid in South Africa, advocates believe Ireland is uniquely positioned to challenge perceived injustices. “From its own experiences of colonization, famine and conflict to its leading role in international efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, Ireland has repeatedly shown that it can stand up to bullies and consistently punched above its weight in global diplomacy,” the statement read. “Its principled stance on Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza is another milestone and further proof that Ireland will not tolerate the destruction of the rules-based order so painstakingly built over the last 80 years.”
Amnesty International applauded Ireland for being among the few European nations to strongly condemn Israel’s actions and for its “courageous calls for concrete action to stop the bloodshed and carnage.” The association views Ireland’s stance as a vital counterweight to states that continue to arm Israel, excuse its alleged atrocities, and enable its impunity.
During her visit to Dublin on July 16th and 17th,Callamard engaged in discussions with prominent Irish figures,including President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, attorney General Rossa Fanning, Senator Frances Black, and Liam herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. She also met with local human rights defenders and civil society organizations.