As we observe International Palestinian Solidarity Day, CIVICUS and Resilience Pathways stand together in unyielding solidarity with Palestinian people and the civil society organisations that continue to champion human rights, justice, and dignity, in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza and the West Bank, and especially women and children, have faced relentless challenges, yet their resilience remains steadfast. Civil society groups are the backbone of resistance against systemic oppression and the fight for human rights and justice. This day is a tribute to their tireless efforts to amplify the voices of excluded people and those whose rights are continuously denied.
The Resilience of Palestinian Civil Society
Despite the ongoing occupation, violence and war on Gaza, Palestinian civil society continues to be a powerful force. Civil society groups embody resilience, rising above the destruction to provide aid, uphold human dignity and fight for freedom. Their unwavering determination, especially in Gaza, exemplifies the strength of civil society to work even where institutional structures have been severely undermined. We celebrate their unbreakable resolve, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Funding Conditions and the Urgent Need for Alternatives
But there is an urgent need to create alternative, unrestricted funding channels that empower grassroots organisations to carry out their essential work without political interference.
The politicisation of funding for Palestinian civil society has reached unprecedented levels after the tragic events of 7 October 2023 and Israel’s bombardment in response. The increasing conditionality attached to international aid undermines the autonomy of Palestinian civil society and hinders its capacity to advocate freely and effectively. Palestinian civil society organisations have long decried the control these conditions place on their work, limiting their independence and ability to operate according to the needs and priorities they see on the ground. This calls for alternative funding channels so civil society organisations can operate freely and efficiently.
Palestinian human rights defenders and activists face immense risks as they continue to advocate for justice, even at the cost of their personal safety. They’re met with systemic repression, including violence, abuse, arbitrary detention and surveillance. It is critical that the international community prioritise supporting them to ensure their protection from all forms of abuse, recognising that these defenders are the lifeblood of Palestine's human rights movement. Collective efforts are needed to put accessible and responsive protection mechanisms in place, increase investments and support for their work and well-being, and implement all actions possible to ensure that human rights defenders (HRDs)’ rights and fundamental freedoms are protected.
Growing global solidarity with the Palestinian cause
With the immense challenges and risks facing Palestinian civil society, there is a growing movement of global solidarity among groups and individuals committed to demanding rights and justice for Palestinian people. Through advocacy, campaigns, protests and grassroots organising, the civil society around the world has rallied to support the Palestinian cause, recognising the urgency of addressing human rights violations and the struggles for justice. As a result, they face repression, discrimination, stigmatisation,and abuse but courageously pursue the crucial work of calling attention to what is happening in Palestine, and demanding for global solidarity and support.
Creating platforms for Palestinian voices
There is a need to amplify Palestinian voices more than ever and an to highlight the urgency for the creation of dedicated platforms where Palestinian civil society organisations and grassroots leaders can share their stories, insights, and demands, as a vital space for Palestinian people to voice their concerns, demand change and work toward a future grounded in justice and peace.
Call to Action
On this International Palestinian Solidarity Day, CIVICUS and Resilience Pathways join forces in solidarity with Palestinian people and civil society around the world. We call on the international community to:
- Support Palestinian civil society through unencumbered, needs-driven funding mechanisms.
- Protect human rights defenders and provide safety and support to those advocating for justice and dignity.
- Stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, ensuring that global actions support the protection of human rights and the freedom of Palestine by calling for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and an end to the Israeli occupation and apartheid.
- Advocate for a reformed international approach that prioritises human rights, social justice and peace over political considerations.
- Establish platforms for Palestinian voices to ensure that their struggles, narratives, and aspirations are heard across the globe.
Let this day serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to fight for justice, peace, and human rights for all, in Palestine and every part of the world. We are stronger when we stand together.
