“Right to armed resistance”: Scandalous student union motion withdrawn following CAA action

A scandalous and potentially criminal ‘Solidarity with Palestine Policy’ motion has been withdrawn by the University of Manchester’s Students’ Union, following action from Campaign Against Antisemitism and others in the community.

One part of the motion read: “International law enshrines a right to resist occupation. Additionally, lawyers and scholars have argued that the use of armed military force by a people exercising the right to self-determination when all other avenues of resistance have been exhausted is legitimate under international law, and that the right of an occupied people to armed resistance is an extension of the right to national self-defence. On the other hand, the right to national self-defence does not extend to occupying nations in the land they are occupying. International law forbids occupying or oppressor nations from taking military action to suppress self-determination. This position has recently been reaffirmed by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese.”

It also stated: “In recognising that, as an occupied nation, the people of Palestine have the right to armed resistance under international law.”

The motion can be read in full here.

Our lawyers reviewed this policy and wrote to the University and the Students’ Union.

While there was no remorse in the announcement of the withdrawal, this success is an example of regulations working to protect a vulnerable community on campus.

We will continue to tackle extremism and antisemitism on university campuses wherever we find it.

If any students are concerned about antisemitism on campus or need assistance, they can call us on 0330 822 0321, or e-mail [email protected].