The 53rd anniversary tribute to the victims of Bloody Sunday is to be dedicated to the children of Gaza.
Derry’s Bloody Sunday Trust has announced that the annual minute’s silence, marking the time of the 1972 killings on Thursday January 30 will be used to remember the children of war-torn Palestine.
The Israeli war against Hamas and the people of Gaza features heavily in the annual commemoration events, marking the killing of 13 Derry men by the British parachute regiment.
A 14th victim, John Johnston died later from his wounds.
The programme of lectures, talks and commemorations has been organised by the Bloody Sunday Trust which is supported by the majority of families of the victims.
Events include an exhibition of poetry from children in Gaza at the Museum of Free Derry (January 21) and A Woman’s Story telling the story of Bloody Sunday through the eyes of 13 local women (Millennium Forum January 24 and 25).
The annual Bloody Sunday lecture will on January 31 will be delivered by Palestinian Youth Movement activist, Nadya Tannous (North West Learning and Disability Centre 8pm).
Announcing details of the programme, a spokeswoman for the Bloody Sunday Trust said that despite rulings by the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court and UN condemnation, many international leaders were still refusing to take action to stop the war.
“We want international action. If international law is to retain any credibility the ICC and ICJ rulings must bring to an end the genocide and the apartheid regime,” the spokeswoman said.
The trust has called on the Irish government to impose trade sanctions and enforce an arms embargo on Israel.
It also called on Derry and Strabane council to “be much stronger” in its opposition against Israel’s war in Palestine.
A separate commemoration, organised by some of the victims’ families, tracing the steps of the original 1972 anti-internment march will take place on Sunday February 2.
The Bloody Sunday march, which always attracts huge crowds, will start at Creggan Shops (2.30pm) and make its way to Free Derry Corner for a brief rally.
