July 20, 2012

Are they mad?

The World Psychiatric Association – Transcultural Psychiatry Section (WPA-TPS) is to hold its 1st International Conference on Cultural Psychiatry in Mediterranean Countries in Israel in November 2012. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) is understandably not best pleased:
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) is deeply disturbed by the decision of the World Psychiatric Association – Transcultural Psychiatry Section (WPA-TPS) to hold its 1st International Conference on Cultural Psychiatry in Mediterranean Countries in Israel in November 2012 [1]. We urge the WPA-TPS to uphold its commitment to ethical standards, dignity and human rights by relocating this conference to another country that does not embody injustice through maintaining a regime of occupation, colonialism and apartheid [2], as Israel does. We also appeal to all members of WPA-TPS to refrain from participating in the conference if it is to be convened in Israel.
As professionals, you are acutely aware that Israel has flouted international law for several decades.  Since the hegemonic world powers are actively complicit in enabling and perpetuating Israel’s colonial and oppressive policies, we believe that the only avenue open to achieving justice and upholding international law is sustained work on the part of Palestinian and international civil society to put pressure on Israel and its complicit institutions to end this oppression.  
I don't know if it's just my perception but the hasbara movement seems to be in overdrive at the mo'.

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