Speaking Up for Justice Globally

Providing Solidarity & Support

While Scotland under devolution has very limited powers where international affairs are concerned, the SNP has taken a strong stance on conflicts and crises around the globe - including where this has been lacking from the UK Government.

The SNP Scottish Government, of course, did not hesitate to condemn Hamas' horrific terror attacks of 7 October 2023. But where the ensuing tragedy of Gaza is concerned, the SNP was absolutely clear throughout in demanding an end to the brutal collective punishment of Palestinians, the uninterrupted delivery of aid, the release of all hostages, a sustained ceasefire, and a pathway to a two-state solution that begins with the recognition of the State of Palestine.

It took far too long for Westminster to catch up on the latter, and to leverage any sort of pressure against Israel. But the SNP sustained the pressure on Westminster, and the Scottish Government has stood in symbolic and financial solidarity with the people of Palestine - raising the Palestinian flag above St Andrews House, providing £600,000 humanitarian aid for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and arranging to bring injured Gazan children to Scotland for treatment.

The SNP have continued to call for sanctions on Israeli security cabinet members, a ban on the trade in goods from illegal settlements and the suspension of the UK–Israel trade deal and defence exports. The First Minister has also urged the UK to join South Africa's International Court of Justice case and implement International Criminal Court arrest warrants - importantly declaring that in the face of genocide, there can be no ‘business as usual'.

The SNP Government has been similarly outspoken on the often forgotten Sudan crisis - the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crisis - and has again had the courage of its convictions. £250,000 pledged by the Scottish Government is supporting ongoing vital humanitarian work by charities Christian Aid and Tearfund.

Through partnership with a local organisation in Sudan, this funding is making a profound difference – providing urgent cash assistance for food and other essential household needs for many hundreds of families, while also ensuring that vulnerable women and girls can access essential protection and psychosocial support that would otherwise be unavailable.

The SNP Scottish Government has also maintained its important international development partnerships with Malawi and Zambia and, critically, has been a voice of reason and empathy for refugees and migrants in the face of increasingly hostile rhetoric from Reform, the Tories and Labour alike. Scotland under the SNP is unwavering in its solidarity with and support for Ukraine in particular, supporting tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees and working to grow business ties to aid recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Scotland under the SNP will continue to be a voice for justice and peace on the world stage.