Free Trade and Human Rights: Case Israel, Amsterdam - Hoofdinhoud

On the 11th of April we will organize a special lecture in cooperation with Pakhuis de Zwijger and Netwerk Democratie where IMSTAR will take part in a bigger collective which is called 'Europe by People'. We have the honour to welcome Harry van Bommel, member of the Dutch Parliament. Van Bommel has been very involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and aims to draw attention to this conflict & the position of Palestine in the Dutch Parliament.

Harry van Bommel

The lecture will be about the relation between free trade and human rights, case: Israel. We, The Netherlands, have an Association Agreement with Israel, but does this promote human rights in Israel? How can this be related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

As you all might know, Dutch citizens will vote for the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine. Agreements are not unusual in Europe, but usually they are merely focused on trade benefits. However, in the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel, a section is devoted to human rights. In what way is this section put into practice? The Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine also contains sections on political agreements, besides the regular trade agreements.

How is it possible that free trade associations have become more and more political? Furthermore, van Bommel will discus the gap between the government and citizens concerning issues like these. Are certain votings truly effective? How is the average citizen informed about such Agreements?

These questions and a lot more will be discussed by Harry van Bommel, followed by the opportunity to ask van Bommel any of your questions. The Campus will be set up as a festival; with tents and domes. The lecture will take place in the dome called ‘New Democracy’. One of the Imstar board members will be at the entrance of the Campus to guide you to the dome. Don’t miss out on this interesting event!