What is BDS?
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement was launched by Palestinian civil society in 2005. BDS upholds the simple principle that Palestinians should have the same rights as the rest of humanity. It is an inclusive, anti-racist human rights movement that opposes all forms of discrimination, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia on principle.
The BDS movement is a response to decades of ethnic "cleansing," military occupation, continuous oppression and apartheid practices by the State of Israel, and is modelled on the principles and methods of the boycott movement against the historic apartheid regime in South Africa.
What are the demands of BDS?
The BDS campaign includes three basic Palestinian demands, which are covered by international law, including the Geneva Convention, and United Nations resolutions:
By picture-alliance/CPA Media
The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes
(UN Resolution 194)
By Katie Duffus
By Sameh Rahmi/NurPhoto
The complete legal equality of all Palestinian citizens of Israel
What means are used by BDS?
Three non-violent means are used to achieve the above-mentioned demands, inspired by the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa (led by Nelson Mandela, among others):
Boycotts…
…include withdrawal of support for the Israeli apartheid regime, for complicit Israeli sports, cultural and academic institutions, and for all Israeli and international companies involved in violations of Palestinian human rights.
Divestment…
….campaigns call on banks, local councils, churches, pension funds and universities to withdraw investments from the State of Israel as well as Israeli and international companies that support Israeli apartheid.
Sanctions…
…campaigns pressure governments to meet their legal obligations to end Israeli apartheid and not contribute to or support its perpetuation by banning business with illegal Israeli settlements, ending military trade and free trade agreements, and suspending Israel's membership in international forums such as UN bodies and FIFA.
"Just as we said during apartheid that it was inappropriate for international artists to perform in South Africa in a society based on discriminatory laws and racial exclusivity, it would be wrong for Cape Town Opera to perform in Israel.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu,
Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights activist