Ireland’s programme of support to the Palestinian people, delivered through Irish Aid, is designed to support and reinforce the overarching political objective of a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the emergence of a viable and prosperous Palestinian State. Our funding addresses both humanitarian and development needs, providing emergency assistance to the most vulnerable, with almost half of Ireland’s funding for the Palestinian people being channelled through the United Nations and its agencies. Support is also given to the Palestinian Authority to support it in public service delivery.
In line with our concerns about the infringement of human rights of Palestinians living under occupation, in particular in relation to illegal settlement building by Israel, for many years our funding has also supported human rights and advocacy organisations that look to assist Palestinians and raise concerns about injustices and infringements of human rights. We support a number of key Palestinian and Israeli NGOs in their work on monitoring, advocacy and legal defence of human rights.
My Department is careful in vetting organisations that receive Irish Aid funding to ensure that there can be no misuse of funds provided. In that regard I strongly object to any suggestion that Irish Aid funding supports groups with links to terrorist organisations.
In relation to Palestine we look to ensure that activities carried out using Irish Aid funding are in line with our overall objective to promote and achieve a two state solution, which I believe to be strongly in the interests of both sides.
The Irish Government does not support a policy of Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) in relation to Israel, and does not fund any activities that promote such a policy. However, we also recognise that both NGOs and citizens are entitled to hold and express peaceful political views, including views which are not shared by their Governments. While the Government does not support a policy of BDS, it is a legitimate and non-violent political viewpoint, and simply because an organisation may advocate for the policy would not automatically exclude them from Irish Aid funding.
I am aware of allegations that some groups which have received Irish Aid funding promote anti-Semitic rhetoric but I do not find these allegations to be well founded. There are NGOs funded by Irish Aid which have raised criticisms of Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, as has this Government. However to label them as anti-Semitic is both untrue and unfair to the organisations and individuals concerned, as well as undermining the important fight against genuine anti-Semitism.
Irish Aid will continue to support civil society organisations that have a role to play in promoting international law, human rights, and democratic values.
