Author: Dania Akkad
In a surprising move hidden deep within the Labour Party’s manifesto, a new promise to establish a legal right to consular assistance for British nationals facing human rights violations abroad was revealed. This aligns with similar pledges in the manifestos of the Liberal Democrat and Scottish National Party. Currently, consular support for British nationals abroad is at the discretion of the UK government, leaving families in complex situations feeling unsupported. The case of Anoosheh Ashoori, who was wrongfully imprisoned in Iran, highlights the importance of this issue. The manifesto promises offer hope for families like Anoosheh’s and others battling similar…
In a recent ruling by a UK judge, three prominent British human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Oxfam, have been granted the opportunity to join a judicial review in the High Court concerning the UK government’s approval of arms sales to Israel. This decision allows them to provide evidence and testimonies in support of a claim seeking to halt arms exports to the country. The move comes after data revealed that the UK had not revoked any arms export licenses to Israel since October. The government issued over 100 export licenses for arms transfers to Israel…
New data has revealed that over 100 UK export licences for the sale of weapons, military equipment, and controlled items to Israel have been approved since October 2023, according to the Department for Business and Trade. Released on Tuesday, the data also shows that more than 300 licences, including those for the export of arms and military equipment to Israel, were still valid as of the end of May. The approved licences cover components for military aircraft, vehicles, and combat naval vessels. Despite the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, no licences were revoked, and 185 applications, some predating the attacks,…
Children in Crisis: The Urgent Need for Medical Evacuations from Gaza Amidst the devastating healthcare crisis in Gaza, three Palestinian children with severe injuries urgently require specialist treatment abroad. A nine-year-old girl with broken bones and open wounds, a four-week-old infant suffering from daily seizures, and a 14-year-old with internal organ damage are just a glimpse of the thousands in need of evacuation. Medical professionals and NGOs stress the dire need for the evacuation of these children as Gaza’s healthcare system struggles to cope. While some have been sent to various countries for treatment, the United Kingdom has not accepted…
The British government, led by Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell, continues to support Israel despite concerns over the handling of the Palestinian crisis in Rafah. Mitchell defended the government’s stance on arms sales to Israel during a hearing, facing questions from MPs regarding the decision-making process. The MPs highlighted the lack of a credible plan from Israel to protect civilians in Rafah, leading to scrutiny over the UK’s arms export licenses. Evidence pointed to potential violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli forces, including the use of US weapons and the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for top Israeli…
The UK government is demanding a credible plan from Israel to protect civilians in Rafah, Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell informed MPs. This comes as Israel intensifies its bombing campaign in the region and seizes the Rafah border crossing, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Mitchell stressed the need for immediate humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Rafah. In response to queries from MPs about consequences for Israel’s actions in Rafah, Mitchell reiterated the government’s concerns but provided little detail on specific measures. While Labour MPs called for stronger action, Conservative MP Suella Braverman expressed support for Israel.…