Amnesty International IoM asks 'why the silence?' 

Protest will be held outside Tynwald today

The Manx branch of Amnesty International will protest outside Tynwald today (19 March) in support of calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The group also wants the chief minister to make a statement saying it doesn’t accept that the Island is unable to speak out on international issues independently of the UK.

Protestors will ask the question: ‘Why the silence?’.

Lobbying

They say despite months of lobbying MHKs, and contacting Alfred Cannan directly, there has been no public statement regarding Tynwald’s position.

Phil Matthews, Chair of Amnesty IOM Group, said: "If we remain silent we are aligning ourselves with the UK government who have put their own political electioneering and certain trade and business interests above the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent people. 

"We do not accept the chief minister’s response that the Isle of Man is unable to speak out on international issues independently of the UK.

"The Jersey government has recently communicated a strongly worded statement to the UK following a unanimous vote in their assembly.

"We know from the responses we have received that a majority of our MHKs also support such action.”

Statement

In October last year Mr Cannan described the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel as ‘shocking and appalling’ saying he joined UK political leaders in ‘unreservedly condemning this terrorist brutality’.

The recent Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel are shocking and appalling. I join UK political leaders in unreservedly condemning this terrorist brutality. My thoughts go out to all those on the Island who have friends and family in the region. 1/2

— Isle of Man Chief Minister (@iomcm) October 10, 2023

Amnesty International IOM Group says despite this he hasn’t publicly condemned what’s happened to Palestinians.

“The UK is beginning to look increasingly alone on the world stage as it doggedly sticks by Israel and continues arms sales, despite overwhelming international condemnation and a statement on behalf of the Isle of Man would at least distance us from the allegations of collective complicity in crimes against humanity that the UK is now facing.” – Amnesty International IOM Group

'Catastrophic Hunger'

Yesterday (18 March) the United Nations warned that famine is ‘imminent’ in parts of Gaza with 70 percent of the population in the north facing catastrophic hunger.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire – you can find out more HERE.

Demonstration

Amnesty International IOM Group was founded in 1993 - the demonstration will take place in Douglas between 12pm and 2pm.

Caarjyn Phalestine – which was formed in December by local musicians and performers – will also be attending.