COSATU statement on the Global Campaign against apartheid Israel for war crimes – advancing working class internationalism and concrete solidarity
8 November 2023
The Congress of South African Trade Unions(COSATU) recognises that the Palestinian struggle has entered a critical phase. Israel is intensifying the colonial annexation of Palestinian lands and committing horrifying crimes of war. This calls for a more decisive, effective and concrete coordination of solidarity and unity in action.
COSATU reaffirms its unwavering solidarity to the cause of the Palestinian people amidst the unfolding genocide in Gaza and throughout Palestine.
Years of tireless campaigning and practical solidarity by COSATU and the working class as a whole has contributed massively to the rolling international solidarity movement against the apartheid state of Israel. COSATU is re-energised further to intensify resolute internationalism against barbarism, genocide and war crimes.
COSATU is working with all solidarity forces to reposition the Global Palestinian solidarity campaign towards more effectiveness and impact.
Towards that end, we fully support the ANC-led government for remaining steadfast in refusing the Zionist blackmail for the endorsement of genocidal war crimes disguised as security. Security for colonial expansionism is against international law.
Israel and US imperialism’s Check book diplomacy are the biggest threats to democracy, solidarity and human progress all over the world. Its unbelievable how political parties can openly embrace racist occupation in a country and continent that is still bleeding from the legacy of apartheid, colonial underdevelopment and land dispossession.
COSATU calls on the working class to unflinchingly defend and championing the cause of the oppressed people of Palestine.
We call on the international trade union movement, particularly in the global north, to make their voices clear about the atrocities and crimes being committed by imperialism in their name. Their silence or muted voices are too loud. The shame of US, UK and EU double standards on war crimes is tragical for humanity.
COSATU shall be participating fully in the coming events of the international trade union movement to advance solidarity, justice and working class solidarity;
The ITUC Africa Congress to take place in Nairobi, Kenya on the 23rd – 25th November, 2023
The 12th Congress of the Organisation of African Trade Unions (OATUU) to be held Algeria on the 16th – 20th November 2023
The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) Working Women’s Congress to be held in Dakar, Senegal on the 22nd– 23rd November 2023
The ITUC General Council to be held on the 12th – 14th December 2023 in Brussels
COSATU President, Cde Zingiswa Losi is leading a delegation participating in the on going ILO Governing Body (GB) session in Geneva, Switzerland, where Convention 87 and 98 on the right to strike and organise, is being discussed to defend Collective Bargaining and advance workers rights, globally.
Finally, COSATU reaffirms its statement of the 10th October 2023, in which we outlined the 7 fundamentals of our solidarity programme with the people of Palestine and their right to freedom and self determination.
Issued by Bongani Masuku, COSATU International Secretary, 9 November 2023
