Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
30 December 2024 | 17:01 CAT

Supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement protesting in front of the German Reichstag (parliament), Berlin, May 17, 2019. (Image – Britannica)

The global movement for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) has garnered widespread support as the plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation continues to draw international condemnation. Advocates of the movement emphasize its nonviolent approach to pressuring Israel to adhere to international law and respect human rights.

Speaking on the matter to Radio Islam International, Professor Lubna Nadvi, a renowned Palestinian supporter and human rights activist, explained that the BDS movement focuses on ending Israel’s occupation and colonization of Arab land, ensuring full equality for Palestinian citizens, and securing the right of return for Palestinian refugees. She described the boycott as a moral and practical tool to challenge the systems enabling oppression.

The movement calls for the boycott of companies complicit in Israeli policies, particularly those benefiting economically from the occupation of Palestinian territories. Professor Nadvi highlighted several industries under scrutiny, including technology, agriculture, and cosmetics. She urged consumers to pay attention to products and services’ origins and make informed choices.

“BDS is not merely about financial pressure; it’s a powerful statement against injustice,” she said. “By refusing to purchase goods from companies that profit from oppression, we send a clear message that human rights violations will not be tolerated.”

South Africa’s historical experience with apartheid adds a significant dimension to its role in the BDS movement. Professor Nadvi noted that South Africans are uniquely positioned to understand the effectiveness of boycotts in dismantling oppressive systems. She encouraged citizens to participate actively by avoiding certain brands, spreading awareness about the movement, and advocating for institutional divestment from companies linked to the occupation.

She emphasized that the campaign goes beyond individual actions, requiring collective efforts to hold corporations and governments accountable. “The fight for justice in Palestine is part of a broader struggle for universal human rights,” she said.

As international solidarity grows, the BDS movement underscores the potential for peaceful resistance to drive meaningful change. “It’s a call to the global conscience,” concluded Professor Nadvi, urging South Africans to lend their voice to the cause.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Professor Lubna Nadvi here.