Dear High Representative Kallas,
I am contacting you to express our urgent concern for the safety and security of the Global Sumud Flotilla and of trade unionists and other volunteers currently aboard. Their stated mission is a humanitarian and non-violent one, to deliver essential aid and express solidarity with the people of Palestine.
It is vital to recall that those engaged in delivering humanitarian aid are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law. The Geneva Conventions provide clear protections for civilians, including volunteers and humanitarian workers, in situations of conflict. Any attack, obstruction, or criminalisation of these individuals would constitute a grave violation of international law.
The flotilla has been subjected to several drone attacks. We condemn in the strongest term the unacceptable attacks against the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The UN Human Rights Office has called for an independent investigation into these incidents. A spokesperson for the European Commission stated: “No attack, no drone strike, no seizure or use of force against the flotilla is acceptable.”
We therefore urge the European Commission to immediately:
- Publicly affirm the right of the volunteers and trade unionists aboard the flotilla to carry out their humanitarian mission free from threat or harm.
- Take action and engage diplomatically at the highest level with all relevant authorities to ensure their immediate safety and the end of all attack, as well as to guarantee that the Global Sumud Flotilla can deliver humanitarian aid safely and without impediment.
- Condemn any attempts to criminalise, endanger, or obstruct the humanitarian mission of the flotilla, in line with the EU’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Trade unionists are part of a proud tradition of international solidarity. Their courageous action reflects the best values of Europe, standing up for justice, humanity, and peace.
The EU must not remain silent while their safety is at risk. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively.
We also reiterate [see Joint Letter - European Trade Unions call for more decisive and principled action by the European Union on Gaza and Joint trade union statement following meeting with the Ambassador of Palestine to the EU] our urgent call on the EU to use all tools available to bring about an immediate and lasting ceasefire, to put an immediate end to ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity, and to ensure full, unimpeded, and sustained access for humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. We condemn forced displacement, a war crime, and we join the calls for the release of all hostages.
We call on the European Union to act on its own assessment and findings of violations, and advance immediate sanctions, including the full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Yours sincerely,
Esther Lynch
General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation