Millions have fled their homes in search of safety. They urgently need shelter, food and basic supplies.
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Find out more about CAFOD's work with Christian, Jewish, Muslim and secular partners.
CAFOD welcomes the decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements, and the government’s renewed commitment to act in support of justice and accountability announced today.
The new policy measures, highlighting the illegality of the occupation and pledging firm action against those who finance or facilitate illegal settlements, mark an encouraging step-change by Andy Burnham’s government.
For years, successive British governments have recognised that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law. Yet goods produced on illegally occupied land have continued to land on British supermarket shelves. This is now set to change.
One month ago, CAFOD launched a campaign action asking our supporters to write to the new Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, urging him to ban trade with settlements. Today’s statement, by the Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, makes clear that Britain will sanction individuals and companies providing services that support settlement expansion.
There is still much more to do, and Palestinians facing daily violence cannot be expected to wait any longer.
We urge the UK government to act quickly to implement these commitments.
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Lead
Melissa Nethersole, CAFOD Media Officer
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
CAFOD is funded mainly by voluntary donations from people in the Catholic community of England and Wales. We also receive funding from fellow Catholic charities and development agencies, the DEC, trusts and foundations, and the UK and other governments.
