3rd, November 2023
The international community has been watching in horror at the suffering and innocent civilians, especially children, due to the escalation of violence between Israel, Hamas, and other armed groups.
In this time, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion sub-committee of the Asia-Oceanic Flying Disc Federation (AOFDF) mourns on behalf of disc sport athletes and their families who have been killed. We are devastated that disc sport athletes of the Asia-Oceanic region are experiencing what has been described as ‘living hell’ by UNICEF workers on the ground.1
We strongly demand an immediate ceasefire to halt the devastating impact on the lives of those residing in Gaza, to protect lives, and ensure the safety of citizens. We call on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and to demonstrate their commitment to saving human lives and re-instilling dignity.
We also call on other sports organisations and disc sports communities to add their voice and to put pressure on those responsible to end the destruction of life in Gaza.
We recommend organisations act to complete international petitions and highlight their name for support, and to put pressure on those responsible to end this immediately and save the lives of innocent civilians:
Change.org Ceasefire in Gaza now
Amnesty International Ceasefire by all parties to end civilian suffering
Rationale for call for ceasefire by all parties to allow humanitarian aid to citizens
Through the voices of our global disc sports community affected by the violence, and confirmed through reputable international media sources, we recognise that at least 1,400 people were killed on the 7th of October 2023 with 200 hostages taken by Hamas and other armed groups. These hostages now face unprecedented terror and remain at risk. 2
In response, the Israeli offensive has been brutal and all-encompassing for civilians and refugees, especially, and unbelievably, thousands of children. On the 29th of October, medical authorities and international bodies on the ground like UNICEF3 confirmed that over 8,000 Palestinians, including 3,324 minors, have been killed. Millions now face no water, food, fuel, electricity, shelter or adequate healthcare due to the rocket fire and bombings, and the blockade of entry into the Gaza strip; whilst some aid has been permitted via a total of 94 trucks4, this is a tiny number compared to what is required to bring an end to suffering.
The AOFDF has members facing these realities. We have confirmed reports of the killing of disc sport athlete families and the risk to life to others, who have requested aid and prayer. The International Olympic Committee Executive Board, within which WFDF is a member, also recognises the loss of life within our global sports community and has expressed sympathy to all victims.5
Call for an end to hate speech, racism and/or incitement of violence
We strongly condemn any hate speech, racism, or incitement of violence towards members of our community being used to rationalise the terrorising and/or killing of innocent civilians. We believe in our values of mutual respect outlined in the Spirit of the Game, and that implicitly we must all commit to uphold these values, to bring equity, justice and joy.
Any responses that encourage violence against innocent citizens does not align to SOTG, to international law or align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.6
By championing a ceasefire we not only protect lives, but also preserve our SOTG and unity that transcends borders and differences.
Sincerely,
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (under the Womens Development Committee, AOFDF): Christina Lind-Hunter, Corey Alexander, Sangeetha Manoharan, Chafic Mekkaoui, Bisan Abuita
1. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/gaza-has-become-graveyard-thousands-children
2. https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/demand-a-ceasefire-by-all-parties-to-end-civilian-suffering/
3. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/gaza-has-become-graveyard-thousands-children
4.https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-presses-ground-campaign-against-hamas-second-stage-gaza-war-2023-10-28/
5. https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1141674/ioc-israel-session-mumbai-arad
6. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
