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We urge the local Shire of Augusta Margaret River (here-on referred to as the AMR Shire) to acknowledge the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), and to take a long overdue stand for the people of Palestine by:

1. Issuing a public statement.  We request that the local Shire issues a formal statement acknowledging the ongoing genocide in Palestine. This statement should express solidarity with Palestinians and condemn the ongoing human rights violations and breach of international law conducted by the State of Israel, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
   (https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-sum-01-00-en.pdf
2. Raising the Palestinian flag. We request that the Shire raises the Palestinian flag in front of the Shire offices as a symbol of support and awareness. Ideally, the flag should be flown until the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands ends and the people of Palestine are able to have self-determination over their own lives and lands. Celebrate Palestine South West is willing to supply the flag for this in order to keep costs down for the Shire.
3. Joining the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. We ask that the Shire joins the global BDS movement by committing to boycott, sanction, and divest from companies complicit in Israel's occupation (e.g. HP, Siemens, Elbit Systems). This involves reviewing any existing investments or contracts that support the occupation (including suppliers linked to Israel's military-industrial complex) and publicly announcing the immediate steps the Shire will take to divest or terminate these associations.

The following local councils have passed ceasefire motions. We ask our progressive AMR council to bravely stand as the first in WA to issue a statement standing in solidarity with Palestine and upholding values of human rights and freedom so dear to our community:

• Bellingen (regional NSW)
• Darebin (VIC)
• Randwick (NSW)
• Wyndham (VIC)
• Bayside (NSW)
• Inner West (NSW)
• Merri-bek (VIC)
• Hume (VIC)
• Dandenong (VIC)
• Canterbury-Bankstown (NSW)

Why It Matters:

Taking a stand on human rights is important as it demonstrates the AMR Shire's commitment to global justice. By joining the BDS movement and raising awareness, the Shire can set an example for other communities and shires, encouraging them to take action as well. These efforts also play a crucial role in increasing awareness and understanding of the complex issues facing Palestinians, helping to foster empathy and support within the community.

Call to Action

1. Community involvement. We encourage members of the community to support this petition by signing it and participating in any related events or discussions.
2. Contact local representatives. Reach out to local representatives to express support for this initiative and advocate for its implementation.

We believe that through these actions, our Shire can contribute to a broader global effort to achieve peace and justice for Palestinians. Your support in this cause is invaluable.