ICJP presents its policy programme to the new Labour government across five different departments
London, 19th July 2024 – Over the past week, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has sent a series of letters to various government departments including letters to the Cabinet, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Business and Trade department, and the Ministry of Defence. These letters contained the ICJP policy programme and recommendations to each department respectively.
The letters highlighted the steps that must be taken by the relevant governmental department to ensure that international law is upheld, that the new Labour government maintains its pre-election promises, and that it allows for justice to be served. The policy recommendations include:
- Restoring funding to the UNRWA (now announced);
- Halting arms transfers to Israel;
- Respecting and upholding the jurisdiction of international bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC);
- Immediate and unilateral recognition of the State of Palestine
- And much more.
These letters ask the various government departments for clarification on several issues, such as if British nationals fighting in the IDF will be prosecuted upon arrival to the UK like its policy for those fighting in Ukraine. Many of the demands contained in these letters reflect ICJP’s document of policy demands available on our website and linked here. The letters follow on from an initial letter sent to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office last week.
We welcome further dialogue with all governmental departments and their respective Secretaries of State. We have readily available briefings for government officials to utilise as they carry out their roles and obligations to British citizens at home and aboard; their obligations to uphold and enforce domestic and international law; and upholding the UK’s obligations as a State Party member to the Genocide Convention and signatory to the Rome Statute.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- ICJP’s press release announcing its initial letter to the Foreign Office can be found here.
- For more information, for a full copy of any of the letters sent, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the ICJP news desk at [email protected].