“Honour and Privilege” to host prominent Palestinian Human Rights Activist, Winner of the 2017 Gandhi Peace Award and co-founder of the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Campaign, Omar Barghouti.
Bloody Sunday Trust Chairperson Tony Doherty has said that it is an honour and a privilege to host leading Palestinian human rights activist Omar Barghouti in the city as part of the series of events marking the 52nd anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
Speaking this week Mr Doherty said,
“As we prepare to mark the 52nd Anniversary of Bloody Sunday it will be both an honour and a privilege to welcome to Derry leading Palestinian Rights activist Omar Barghouti, as he joins the long and distinguished list of national and international figures that have delivered the annual Bloody Sunday Lecture.
“Derry, and the annual Bloody Sunday commemorations, have always stood in opposition to oppression and injustice wherever they occur. As we mark the 52nd anniversary of Bloody Sunday a number of events will focus attention on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and what we in Derry can do to help the Palestinian people.
“Omar, who this week addressed Derry City and Strabane District Council to secure support for the BDS campaign, has been to the forefront in providing people across the world with a means to support the Palestinian people in a peaceful, non-violent manner that stands in stark contrast to the genocidal actions of the Israeli government and their allies at this time. The BDS movement is under attack in many parts of the world but I am proud that Derry stands with Palestine.
“He will take part in a number of events during his visit to Derry providing an opportunity for people to hear directly about his advocacy work and the reality of life for Palestinians under the occupation.
“On Thursday 25th January he will attend the Candlelight Procession for the Children of Palestine that will culminate in lighting the Bloody Sunday Monument in the colours of Palestine at 7.00pm.
“On Friday 26th January at 8.00pm in Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin he will deliver the 2024 Annual Bloody Sunday Lecture.
“In these terrifying and traumatic times for the people of Gaza international solidarity is more important than ever. On Saturday 27th January Omar will join a panel outlining measures of effective support, including the adoption of ethical procurement procedures by local councils at Palestine: What Can Derry Do? from 1.00pm to 4,00pm in Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin.
“As well as participating in the Bloody Sunday Commemorations Omar will also be meeting with a range of political and civic organisations in the city during his visit and will attend a civic reception in his honour hosted by the Mayor.”
