Latest news with #selfDetermination
The Guardian
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
I call on the UK to seize this moment - join the world majority and recognise the state of Palestine
Future generations will look back on this moment as a turning point, when an unrelenting campaign was waged to erase the Palestinian people, and ask how this was allowed to happen. How world leaders, faced with a choice between complicity and courage, enabled genocide. How they denied Palestinians our inalienable right to self-determination and return, and chose to support occupation over freedom, apartheid over equality. Today, after decades of appeasement and impunity, Israel has entrenched one of the longest military occupations in modern history, one that seeks not only to control Palestinian life but to extinguish it. As the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, I call on the British government to end this vicious path, right its historic wrongs and officially recognise the state of Palestine while the conditions are uniquely ripe to do so. The UN conference on the two-state solution next week presents an immediate opportunity for the UK to join the rest of the world to recognise the state of Palestine. This means the recognition of the independence of our people and sovereignty of our land as defined by international resolutions, full membership at the UN and diplomatic relations as accorded to all member states. Recognition is neither a reward for one party nor a punishment for another; it is a long-overdue affirmation of the Palestinian people's unconditional right to exist and live freely in our homeland. It is a central foundation on which a peaceful future can be built. To those who say now is not the right time, I ask: If not now, when? The genocide in Gaza – where entire neighbourhoods lie in rubble, tens of thousands are dead or missing, and starvation is being used as a weapon of war – has exposed Israel's intent to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from their land and galvanised global support. In the occupied West Bank, thousands of families are being forced from their homes, their villages razed and replaced with illegal settlements, under the orders of openly racist ministers who reject the very idea of a Palestinian state. In Britain, the Labour party has the necessary mandate, having run on a party platform of recognising a Palestinian state, as well as having the overwhelming support of the British parliament and public; the UK would join 147 UN member states, including Spain, Ireland, Norway and Slovenia, in doing so. And across the Atlantic, with the Trump administration consumed by domestic turmoil, the UK can lead diplomatically, as it did when it gathered Europe's leaders in an attempt to end the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UK's closest partners in the region are clear in their calls for the establishment of the state of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and are urging the UK, France and other remaining countries to get on board. Recognition is not a symbolic gesture, nor is it the end of the road. It is an irreversible first step. Neither should recognition be subject to ever more conditions on the Palestinian side. Delaying recognition simply reinforces the deadly status quo, denying Palestinians political agency or equal rights until Israel consents, thus granting our occupier a permanent veto over our future. The Israeli government, for its part, has made its position unmistakably clear; its policies are a blueprint for permanent occupation. The recent announcement of 22 new illegal settlements and the Israeli Knesset last year voting overwhelmingly to 'oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state west of Jordan' leaves no room for ambiguity about the Israeli plan to ethnically cleanse us from our land. At this stage, non-recognition is not neutrality, it is a political decision, to side with apartheid, occupation and the continued erasure of the Palestinian people. Recognition is not only a moral imperative – it is a legal one, laid out by the international court of justice. The announcement by the UK government to sanction two Israeli ministers was a welcome step, but it does not confront the heart of the issue. The core of the problem is not the actions of a few extremists, but a longstanding, deeply entrenched Israeli doctrine aimed at displacing and replacing the Palestinian people in their own homeland. That is why we have called on the UK to hold the entire ecosystem accountable: to sanction the Israeli government, impose a full arms embargo and hold those complicit in war crimes accountable. These actions must go hand in hand with an immediate recognition of the state of Palestine; one cannot be a substitute for the other. Boris Johnson once wrote that the Balfour declaration left the UK with 'unfinished business': a promise of Palestinian rights and statehood that was never fulfilled. More than a century later, that failure has brought us to the brink, threatening not only the Palestinian people but the prospects for peace and stability in the entire region. The time for the UK to finish that business is now. As Palestinians, and alongside a growing global movement for peace and justice, we continue to struggle for a future where our children can enjoy the same freedom, dignity and opportunity as children everywhere. That future remains impossible under occupation. Peace is not made between occupier and occupied; it can only exist between equals. This is a moment of historic consequence. It demands moral clarity and political courage. I urge the UK to rise to the moment and act now. Husam Zomlot is the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom
Telegraph
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Starmer's Chagos deal reported to UN human rights chiefs
Sir Keir Starmer's Chagos deal has been reported to UN human rights chiefs over claims it ignores native islanders' desire to return to their homeland. Campaigners have asked the UN's human rights committee in Geneva to examine the deal, under which the UK will give up the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and rent back a military base there. If successful, the request could result in a UN ruling in direct contradiction to the body's International Court of Justice, which said in 2019 that the UK should hand over the islands to Mauritius. Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, who are British citizens but native to the islands, launched an eleventh-hour bid to stop the deal last month, resulting in a dramatic injunction from the High Court in the middle of the night. But their legal challenge was rejected the next day, and the deal went ahead, including a commitment for the UK to pay Mauritius up to £30 billion over the next 99 years. Ms Dugasse and Ms Pompe are now taking their fight to the UN by writing to the committee asking for an advisory opinion that the UK should not sign the deal over human rights concerns. They allege the deal breaches five articles of the UN's international covenant on civil and political rights, including the right to self-determination, freedom of movement and right to return, and minority rights. The deal agreed by Sir Keir has been opposed by MPs from the Conservative and Reform parties, and Tory peers have since launched a campaign to block the deal from the House of Lords. But the Government insists that the deal is vital for national security and will allow the military base on the archipelago's biggest island, Diego Garcia, to continue to operate legally. It follows years of negotiations between Britain and Mauritius, which claims it should have been given sovereignty over the islands when it was given independence from the UK in 1968. The population of the islands, between 1,400 and 1,700 people, was removed in the late 60s and early 70s to make way for the military base. The displaced Chagossians claim that they were not consulted before the Starmer deal was signed, and complain that under the terms agreed between the UK and Mauritius, they will not be allowed to return to Diego Garcia. Ms Pompe said: 'The fight is not over. There is nothing in that treaty for Chagossians and we will fight.' The UN does not have the power to block the deal, but the committee could issue an advisory opinion that would inform Downing Street it could be in breach of international human rights obligations if it proceeds. The campaigners told the committee in a letter, seen by The Telegraph, that the deal 'would amount to a definitive and irreversible endorsement of a continuing violation originally initiated by the colonial power'. It goes on: 'By excluding the Chagossian people from the process and de facto accepting their permanent displacement, the agreement entrenches the denial of their right to return and the effective exercise of their cultural, spiritual rights.' Toby Noskwith, who coordinated last month's legal action, said: 'I pity the poor souls in the No10 press office who are being ordered to justify Keir Starmer's betrayal of the Chagossian people. 'We're looking forward to the explanation of why the UN human rights committee doesn't matter. Not pausing the Chagos deal until the Committee rules is indefensible.'
The Independent
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Denmark blasts ‘unacceptable' pressure from Trump over Greenland
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has asserted that Denmark will not succumb to "unacceptable" pressure from the United States regarding control of semi-autonomous Greenland, emphasising the importance of Greenlanders' right to self-determination. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in the United States acquiring the strategically important, mineral-rich Arctic island for national and international security reasons, even suggesting the potential use of force. Frederiksen, in a National Day speech, stated, "The world order we've built through generations is being challenged like never before." She added, "In recent months Greenland and Denmark have been subjected to unacceptable pressure from our closest ally," alluding to the United States. US Vice President JD Vance visited the island in March, criticising Denmark, a fellow NATO member, for its handling of Greenland's safety. Vance proposed that the United States could provide better protection for the territory. Vance's visit occurred after the Demokraatit party's election victory in Greenland. The party advocates for a gradual approach to independence, differing from other parties that propose a more rapid departure. Leaders of Denmark and Greenland have said only Greenlanders can decide the territory's future, and the Danish constitution gives the island the right to seek independence. Fundamental principles in the transatlantic relationship such as national sovereignty, the respect for borders and people's right to self-determination are now at stake, Frederiksen said. "But we don't bend. We Danes are not like that," she added. Denmark's King Frederik, who is popular in Greenland, visited the island in late April in a show of unity amid the diplomatic stand-off with Trump. A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark gives the US the right to construct military bases in Greenland as long as Denmark and Greenland are notified. The island, whose capital Nuuk is closer to New York than Copenhagen, boasts mineral, oil and natural gas wealth, but development has been slow and the mining sector has seen very limited US investment.
Reuters
05-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Denmark won't bend to Trump's pressure over Greenland, prime minister says
OSLO, June 5 (Reuters) - Denmark will not yield to "unacceptable" pressure from the United States for control of semi-autonomous Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Thursday, warning Greenlanders' right to self-determination was at stake. President Donald Trump has said he wants the United States to take over the minerals-rich and strategically-located Arctic island for reasons of national and international security, and has not ruled out the use of force to do so. "The world order we've built through generations is being challenged like never before," Frederiksen said in a speech for National Day. "In recent months Greenland and Denmark have been subjected to unacceptable pressure from our closest ally," she added, referring to the United States. U.S. Vice President JD Vance on a visit to the island in March accused fellow NATO member Denmark of not doing a good job keeping Greenland safe and suggested the United States would better protect the territory. Vance's visit followed an election victory by Greenland's Demokraatit party, which favours a slow approach to independence rather than the quicker departure proposed by some others. Leaders of Denmark and Greenland have said only Greenlanders can decide the territory's future, and the Danish constitution gives the island the right to seek independence. Fundamental principles in the transatlantic relationship such as national sovereignty, the respect for borders and people's right to self-determination are now at stake, Frederiksen said. "But we don't bend. We Danes are not like that," she added. Denmark's King Frederik, who is popular in Greenland, visited the island in late April in a show of unity amid the diplomatic stand-off with Trump. A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark gives the U.S. the right to construct military bases in Greenland as long as Denmark and Greenland are notified. The island, whose capital Nuuk is closer to New York than Copenhagen, boasts mineral, oil and natural gas wealth, but development has been slow and the mining sector has seen very limited U.S. investment.
Associated Press
01-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on National Indigenous History Month
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - 'Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of Canada's lands and waters for time immemorial. National Indigenous History Month is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, knowledge, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. 'Indigenous leadership and perspectives will be foundational to how this government delivers its mandate. We will address past harms, take a distinctions-based approach, and advance self-determination, while upholding Modern Treaties and self-government agreements. 'Central to this commitment is the long-term wealth and prosperity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. To that end, we have doubled the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion – and opened it to sectors outside of energy and natural resources to catalyze more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across the country. 'As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. 'We will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples – advancing shared priorities from health care, food security, housing, and education to conservation, climate action, and emergency management. We move forward on the important work of the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.' This document is also available at SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
