On the second day of UNISON’s women’s conference, delegates
passed an emergency motion on solidarity with women in Gaza.
The motion calls on the union to condemn the recent statement
made by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that
the Israeli army must shoot anyone approaching the border,
including women and children.
In a cabinet meeting earlier this week, he said: “We cannot have
women and children getting close to the border … anyone who gets
near must get a bullet”.
Tamsain Hussain Gul, speaking through tears as she introduced the
motion, said: “Women are watching their children be killed, and
then having to collect the pieces of their children’s bodies.”
Ms Hussain Gul’s speech received a standing ovation.
Speaking in support of the motion, NEC member Jordan Rivera said:
“We have 180 women in Gaza giving birth every day and there is no
pain relief. Women are giving birth with no medical care. Our
hearts break for women losing their children. Over 10,000
children have died. This is completely unacceptable.”
Rakiya Suleiman, supporting the motion on behalf of UNISON
Scotland, said: “This is what makes me part of this union. We are
a platform of equality. We must do what is right.”
The emergency motion calls on the national women’s committee to:
- Ask the NEC to condemn the statement made by the Israeli
national security minister on 12 February 2024
- Work with the international committee to provide solidarity
with women who are on the frontline in demanding trade union
rights, peace and social justice in Gaza
- Work with the NEC and other self-organised groups to show
solidarity with women and children adversely affected by conflict
in Gaza and explore the ways to help them fight oppression and
discrimination.
- Lobby the future government through Labour Link to ensure all
humanitarian aid arrives “at the place most needed”.
