Dear members and supporters,
Over the past couple months, we’ve reached out to many Palestinian members and allies to offer support and follow their lead on strategies to end the violence and genocide in Gaza. One way we are extending solidarity is by honoring the call from the Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) Movement to boycott the UNFCCC-Conference of the Parties (COP28) this December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This means that for the first time in 15 years, we are canceling our delegation.
The UAE is the world’s seventh-largest oil extractor and the fifth-largest emitter of CO2, with a stark record of internationally recognized human rights abuses, including imprisonment of human rights defenders, and abuse of migrant workers. It is a major purchaser of Israeli surveillance technology, and as COP28 host, is providing Israel a global platform to conduct greenwashing while it commits genocide.
We call on climate and environmental organizations and our allies to join the COP28 boycott and demand a ceasefire now to stop Israel’s siege on Gaza and the genocide of Palestinian people. We also understand that no arena should be relinquished to power, so we ask allies who must attend to pledge to raise the ceasefire demand directly with governments, the UNFCCC, and civil society.
Please note that Saturday, December 9 — the United Nations International Day for the Prevention of Genocide — falls during COP28 and may present opportunities to participate in calling for a ceasefire and justice for Gaza.
We recognize that there is no climate justice without human rights, and there is no climate justice on occupied lands. Please join the COP28 boycott and pledge to demand an immediate ceasefire.
While we will not be on the ground at COP28, our work for climate justice and demilitarization continues. Thank you for your support and solidarity! |