DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights stands in solidarity with the global community in commemorating International Nakba Day on 15 May.

This year marks 77 years since the beginning of the Nakba in 1948—a catastrophe that continues to affect Palestinians today.

The Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the displacement of approximately 750,000 Palestinians from their homes during the establishment of the State of Israel. This event resulted in profound demographic and cultural shifts in the regio

On 15 May 1948, following the United Nations Partition Plan (Resolution 181) aimed at creating separate Jewish and Arab states, the Arab-Israeli War erupted. The plan was met with resistance from Arab states and Palestinian leaders, and to this day, many displaced Palestinians continue to be denied their right to return.

Nakba Day serves as a stark reminder of Palestinians’ ongoing struggle for rights, recognition, and sovereignty. It also underscores the historical tensions that led to the conflict, including violent confrontations between Jewish and Arab communities throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

The Nakba remains a defining moment in history, shaping political discourse on justice, reparations, and reconciliation within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The bombings of Gaza by Israel, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly—are grave violations of fundamental human rights.

We firmly believe that every human being, regardless of nationality or background, deserves the right to life, security, and dignity. The ongoing violence, illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, systemic apartheid policies, and deprivation of basic necessities—including medicine, food, water, fuel, and electricity—constitute serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law.

Reports indicate that over two million Palestinians in Gaza are living in famine, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid since 2 March 2025—the longest total siege Gaza has ever endured.

DITSHWANELO remains committed to promoting human rights, advocating for just peace, and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting Palestinian communities. We echo the urgent call of international civil society for:

• An immediate ceasefire and end to hostilities
• The unconditional release of all hostages
• A renewed commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict

Additionally, we call for strict adherence to international law and human rights principles, including full implementation of the July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice.

It is imperative to establish an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty, ensuring that Palestinians enjoy the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and all those affected by this ongoing humanitarian crisis. Immediate de-escalation is necessary to prevent further loss of life and suffering. We urge the global community to raise awareness about the bombardment, siege, and grave conditions endured by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

We also call upon the Government of Botswana to take a firm stance against the annexation, settlement expansion, exploitation of resources, and apartheid policies enforced by Israel.

In further demonstration of our commitment, DITSHWANELO, together with Zahraa-Naaz Children’s Fund and Voices of Palestine, is holding a March for Palestine this morning of 17 May 2025.