Embed boycott in your everyday
In today’s world, it is virtually impossible to navigate without encountering systems of complicity – be it through our consumer choices, institutional affiliations, or the cultural products we engage with – all of which are often intertwined with global injustices and human rights violations.
As people of conscience, it is crucial for us to ensure that the spaces we inhabit or participate with do not support or sustain a violent, genocidal apartheid regime like the Israeli one, nor benefit from severe human rights abuses, or become influenced by such systems.
That’s why, following the examples of many before us, BDS Netherlands (DocP) wants to to respond to the pressing issues of our time and launch this new campaign through which we aim to transform the whole country, bit by bit, into an Apartheid Free Zone(AFZ) while defining the boundaries of a growing community of people that want to commit to concrete actions and choices against the Israeli occupation and any other regime of oppression.
Apartheid Free Zone campaign: what is it and why is important?
The Apartheid Free Zone is a BDS international campaign that addresses places, social movements, associations, and institutions upholding the principles of freedom, justice, and equality. It promotes creating a network of spaces – both virtual and physical – that declare themselves free from all forms of discrimination and commit to not engaging with systems of injustice and oppression, and people who want to contribute to creating an active community of solidarity and practical support for Palestinian rights.
We strongly believe in this campaign mission and its strategic impact in our national Palestinian liberation movement. In fact, while is important to keep up the pressure to institutions and organisations who are directly complicit with the system of apartheid with more targeted actions and by crowding public spaces with recurring sit-in and demonstrations, the AFZ campaign calls for the building of a long-standing community which embraces and embeds BDS principles in their daily activities and interactions.
This has become even more urgent following the International Court of Justice’s ruling on July 19th, 2024. The court formally declared that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza is entirely unlawful and constitutes a system of apartheid and racial segregation. The ICJ further emphasised that all states have a duty to help bring these violations to an end, which includes cutting off economic, trade, and investment relations with Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. In other words, under international law, every country is obligated to participate in an economic boycott of Israel’s activities in the OPT and to divest from any ongoing economic relationships there.
For any organisation, engaging in boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel’s occupation, colonisation, and apartheid is not only a moral and constitutional right – it is now also an international legal obligation.
A dutch community-based project in support of the Palestinian liberation movement
In all its aspects, the Apartheid Free Zone campaign in the Netherlands will be managed as a community-based project, to address a community need: identify all the visible and invisible ties with the Israeli apartheid regime and replace those with deeds of solidarity.
Community involvement: AFZ community members will play an active role in all stages of this initiative, from planning and decision-making to implementation and evaluation.
Local relevance: by establishing its identity, the AFZ community in the Netherlands promotes collaboration and creates value through the positive exchange among local players and communities.
Collaboration: the AFZ campaign involves local community members and organisations to work together, sharing resources and building a sense of shared commitment.
Empowerment: the AFZ campaign equips the local community with the skills, knowledge and tools they need to actively harness local efforts to achieve a bigger impact.
Sustainability: the AFZ community is here to stay, its community is committed to lasting change, advocating for the freedom of Palestine and its people, and to embrace other intersectional struggles along the way.
Cultural sensitivity: the AFZ campaign embraces the rich cultural diversity of our communities in the Netherlands, ensuring that our initiatives reflect local experiences and foster genuine connections.
And to all the potential Apartheid Free Zones here in the Netherlands, we say: you are not alone!
Joining this AFZ international campaign promoted by BDS will connect you to a vast global network of solidarity and action. The AFZ campaign is already active in many countries around the world and has been growing for years.
There are thousands of Apartheid Free Zones globally, with numerous cities, organisations, and institutions joining the movement in countries across Europe, Southeast Asia, North Africa, North America, and South America. Entire cities like Belém in Brazil and Valdivia in Chile have answered the call, becoming proud Apartheid Free Zones.
JOIN THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT
This international dimension is vital, not just for showing the global scale of the campaign, but because of the enormous benefits of being connected to such a diverse and experienced community.
By becoming part of this worldwide movement, we will have the opportunity to collaborate with other AFZ teams, share best practices, and explore creative ways to keep your local AFZ community engaged and thriving.
We will learn from the successes of other regions, adapt new strategies for outreach, and, most importantly, contribute to the global struggle against apartheid and colonialism.
So, whether you're an organisation, business, or public space here in the Netherlands, take this step with us—together, we’ll be stronger and better equipped to create meaningful change. Join us in making the Netherlands an Apartheid Free Zone and be part of a global movement for justice, dignity, and freedom.