IHL advocacy

Below you will find a selection of advocacy work on international humanitarian law (IHL) conducted primarily from Diakonia's Head Office in Stockholm.

Press release on the isolation of Gaza

In relation to the internal fighting between Fatah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip during June 2007, Diakonia's Regional Office in the Middle East issued a press release highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation for the civilian population and the responsibility of the international community.

Diakonia argues that not only the fighting parties, but also the occupying power and the international community, the Quartet, share certain responsibility for the internal fighting and the humanitarian crisis, as the latest policy of isolation and the consequent collapse of normal society functions have strengthened militant groups and led to increased violence. 

Affidavit to the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs in relation to the commemoration of 40 years of occupation

In relation to the 40 years of Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, and a visit by the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt to Jerusalem, Diakonia handed over an affidavit to the Minister containing Diakonia's experiences during its 40 years precense in the region, mostly ranging serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. The document ends with a number of questions on how Sweden sees its responsibility under international law to assist in bringing an end to the occupation and the human suffering, and on how international humanitarian law can be used as a tool for international politics and peace negotiations.

To the affidavit in English (June 2007, 112 kB)

To the affidavit in Arabic

Open letter on Lebanon and Palestine

In connection with the Stockholm conferences on Lebanon's Early Recovery and the Humanitarian Situation in the Palestinian Territories on the 31st of August and 1st of September 2006, Diakonia, together with a number of other Swedish NGO:s, wrote a letter to all participating governments.  

In the letter Diakonia and the other organisations demand a more active  politic in order to achieve a sustainable peace in the Middle East. Such a politic should be based on international humanitarian law, human rights and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Letter to Connex/Veolia Environment

A light-rail project started in 2001 on occupied land in East Jerusalem, and other parts of the West Bank. The light-rail is not only a new illegal infrastructure in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) but will also present a further obstacle to the free movement of the Palestinian population.

Diakonia and Amnesty has written a letter to the Swedish section of Connex/Veolia Environment - a company that contributes to the construction of the light-rail.

To the letter of Diakonia and Amnesty International -Swedish section about the involvement of Connex/Veolia Environment with the light-rail (in Swedish, 40 kB)