On May 2, the Global Day of Action will mobilize a global coalition of arms experts, civil society organizations, climate activists, healthcare workers, faith leaders, journalists, academics, legal professionals, artists, and students around the shared goal of calling on all states to halt the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunitions used to fuel atrocity crimes in Gaza.
In the face of a UN Security Council Resolution calling for a ceasefire, the Government of Israel continues to use explosive weapons and munitions in densely populated areas with massive humanitarian consequences for the people of Gaza.
Global Day of Action participants will organize in scores of countries–with a particular focus on the arms-exporting nations of the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Australia–and engage in public stunts and a coordinated social media campaign, with the intention of elevating the Global Day of Action’s central messages:
- Halt all transfers of weapons, parts, and ammunition used to fuel the crisis in Gaza.
- Demand perpetrators of international humanitarian law violations and atrocity crimes are held to account.
- Urge governments to not be complicit in ongoing violations of international law by fulfilling their legal obligations and secure a permanent ceasefire now.
The Global Day of Action, organized by civil society and international NGOs collaborating on global #CeasefireNOW advocacy, will raise awareness about the devastating impact of arms transfers on human rights, specifically in the Gaza Strip, where civilians bear the brunt of violence, call on governments worldwide to halt arms transfers to Israel, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and protecting the rights of Palestinians affected by the crisis; and demonstrate the strength of people power to actively engage in targeted efforts to halt arms transfers to Israel.
The day will build upon a call by more than 250 humanitarian and human rights organizations, which have signed a letter calling on all states to immediately halt the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to Israel and Palestinian armed groups while there is a risk they are used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.
‘‘Israel’s bombardment and siege are depriving the civilian population of the basics to survive and rendering Gaza uninhabitable,’’ the letter reads. ‘’Today, the civilian population in Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented severity and scale.’’
All states have the obligation to prevent atrocity crimes and promote adherence to norms that protect civilians. The Global Day of Action is calling on the international community to live up to these commitments.
For more information or questions please contact: ceasefirenow.gda@gmail.com