26 April '11
The British government funds a large number of Israeli and Palestinian non-governmental organizations (NGOs). As the following analysis demonstrates, although some reflect universal human rights and humanitarian efforts, others pursue an intensely partisan and divisive agenda. These NGOs employ the rhetoric of "apartheid," "ethnic cleansing," and "war crimes" in their reports, and are involved in BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) campaigns. As the evidence shows, such activities politicize human rights and contribute to the conflict, as opposed to promoting peace.
NGO Monitor's analysis of NGO funding policies in the region from 2008 through 2011, which includes information provided through correspondence with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), demonstrates that:
The UK government no longer supports the following Israeli NGOs, which had received various grants between 2005 and 2010: Yesh Din, Ir Amim, Gisha, Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), HaMoked, Bimkom, and Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI).
The British government funds Palestinian NGOs Defence for Children International - Palestine Section (DCI-PS) and Holy Land Trust, which are involved in the boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaigns against Israel.
In correspondence with NGO Monitor, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) stated: "The UK Government does not support the BDS movement," and "we have been very clear that the boycotts movement is not productive... it could be deeply corrosive."
Breaking the Silence, Terrestrial Jerusalem, B'Tselem, and Peace Now are receiving funding via the British Embassy in Tel Aviv in 2011.
UK officials acknowledge that funding for the above groups is part of an attempt to change "Israeli civil and military judicial practice and decisions" and government policy. In addition to questions regarding external interference with the Israeli democratic process, many of the activities of these NGOs are directed primarily outside of Israel and reflect anti-Israel campaigns.
The UK government operates transparently regarding NGO funding, providing regular updates on Embassy and Consulate websites. However, the decision making and evaluation processes lack transparency, leaving key policy questions unanswered.
Click here for the full analysis
If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.
.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment