In English
On the 17th of May, a group of concerned residents in Uppsala established a peaceful encampment in Stadsträdgården, in the heart of the city. We are united in our deep concern over the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Palestine, and we are calling for urgent and concrete action from our city, our institutions, and our national government.
Our Demands:
1. Uppsala politicians must push for a national arms embargo on Israel.
We call on elected officials from Uppsala to advocate at the national level for an immediate halt to all arms trade with Israel. Sweden must not be complicit in violations of international law.
Swedish companies like Saab and Aimpoint have collaborated with Elbit Systems, a major Israeli arms manufacturer linked to attacks on civilians in Gaza. Ending this cooperation is a necessary step toward peace and accountability.
2. Uppsala Municipality must boycott products from Israeli settlements.
We demand that the municipality stop purchasing goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
A boycott is a peaceful and lawful way to oppose injustice. Since Sweden recognizes the West Bank as occupied territory, continuing trade with settlement-based companies undermines both international law and Sweden’s official position.
Our Position:
Silence in the face of injustice has consequences. When institutions, individuals, and representative bodies do not take a stand against the ongoing occupation and violations of human rights, they risk being seen as passive in moments that demand moral clarity. History reminds us that neutrality in times of oppression often serves the status quo rather than justice.
We demand that Uppsala Municipality, Uppsala University, and other local institutions act with courage and integrity—values they claim to uphold. It is time to speak out against the grave violations of international law and human rights that Israel commits daily.
Enough is enough.
We will not stop raising our voices, organizing, and demanding accountability until justice is served and Palestine is free.
In solidarity,
The Uppsala Encampment for Palestine