Council notes
The unresolved and ongoing violence of over 76 years and its context in the tragic event that took place on Oct 7th. Leading to the unacceptable loss of life and the crime of taking of hostages which took place on Oct 7th.
The unparalleled and disproportionate killing and maiming of civilians within the Occupied Palestinian Territories - Include the lives of journalists, health professionals, civic and rescue workers.
The unprecedented and reckless destruction of civilian infrastructure across the Gaza Strip - Including that of refugee camps, monuments, heritage sites, places of worships, graveyards, hospitals, universities and schools.
Following South Africa's submission of a case against Israel to the International Court of Justice regarding alleged actions and statements made by Israeli government and military officials, provisional measures have been implemented against Israel. Additionally, an investigation into plausible claims of genocide has also been initiated by the ICJ.
The "Return to Gaza Conference" took place on January 28th. It featured prominent members of the Israeli Government sharing a platform with individuals advocating for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and promoting the construction of Israeli settlements on land previously occupied by destroyed Gazan communities.
The Israeli government's perceived failure to address the radical proclamations made during this occasion is contrary to the Provisional Measure imposed on Israel by the ICJ.
The continued and explicit declarations of intent to conduct comparable militarily action in Rafah, as that of areas further north.
That Rafah, previously declared a 'Safe Area' for the civilian population, currently hosts over 1.7 million internally displaced civilians (85% of total population). Also noting that 47% of the population are children.
That the UN office in Geneva states 70% of civilian infrastructure has been destroyed or severely damaged in Gaza and disease is spreading as the health system “collapses” with only 13 of 36 hospitals partially functional. And 25% of the population are grappling with catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
The enormous costs of supporting refugees in camps or third countries impose a burden on the global community, and directly on Powys when the UK are part of a hosting scheme.
Powys’ pension fund's investments in pooled arrangements that support the armaments industry.
The number of peace vigils is on the rise in towns throughout Powys, and the ongoing mass protests taking place internationally, urging a cessation of hostilities in order to prevent famine and disease from precipitating a notable upsurge in mortality rates.
Council believes
That there should be an immediate and enduring ceasefire to enable the safe return of remaining hostages, the release of Palestinians held under administrative detention, and the expansion of access to humanitarian aid from within the Gaza Strip.
That Israel should honour its commitment to allow Gazans to return to their properties and to prevent famine and disease by facilitating the rebuilding of residences, civilian infrastructure and health care systems across Gaza, which it has comprehensively destroyed.
That following the ICJ's ruling issued on January 25th, all signatory parties of the Geneva Conventions have an explicit and undeniable obligation to prevent a "plausible genocide" from taking place in Gaza. By way of applying pressure through revoking any (directly or indirectly) sustained material and financial backing provided toward Israel's military conduct.
The increased instability in the Middle East is detrimental to stable global governance. It damages global trade through the Red Sea and increases shipping costs, which are likely to fuel inflation. This, in turn, will prolong the cost-of-living crisis facing Powys residents and increase borrowing costs for council expenditure.
That it is contrary to Powys’ ‘Stronger, Fairer, Greener’ policy and ‘Sustainable Development Goals, for the council investments and pension funds to provide support for the armaments industry and is therefore an unsustainable investment decision.
As an occupying force, Israel has a clear humanitarian duty and legal responsibility to all the residents of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They must be held liable for fulfilling this obligation under international law.
It is not in the best interest of both Gazan citizens and the United Kingdom to establish a resettlement scheme for Gaza refugees within UK territories. The International Court of Justice's interpretation suggests that such an act might be regarded as facilitating ethnic cleansing, which has unfavourable implications on either side.
Council calls for the Pensions and Investment Committee to withdraw any direct investments in the armaments industry and to work to minimise level of investment in the industry within pooled investments.
Proposed by Cllr Pete Roberts
Seconded by Cllr Richard
Church
Financial Assessment
The Council does not hold direct investments in the armaments industry.
The Pension Fund invests using pooled funds (such as via the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP)) and perhaps indirectly, through pooled investments, “may" have exposure to such companies. The WPP does not currently exercise any exclusionary policies in respect of any stocks it can potentially invest in.
The cost of such a change by the Pension Fund would not be borne by the Council.
|
Minutes:
This motion was withdrawn.