The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) was jointly founded by the Rights Forum, the Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO), and European jurists as an initiative aimed at “defending individuals and organizations that face false and defamatory accusations of antisemitism and repression because of their support for Palestinian rights and particularly for BDS measures to achieve these rights.”
Rights Forum is a Dutch organization, established by former Dutch Prime Minister Andreas van Agt, which describes itself as a “knowledge center on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and as a network of previous ministers and jurists that are committed to a solution of the conflict based on international law.” Claims that it was created in response to alleged “unwavering” Dutch support for alleged Israeli violations of international law. It lobbies the Dutch government and the EU to promote the Palestinian agenda.
The government of the Netherlands provides millions of euros annually to political NGOs active in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The funds are transferred directly through government entities (MFA, Embassy in Tel Aviv, Representative Office in Ramallah) and the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Secretariat (the “Secretariat”), and indirectly via NGOs that receive government support.
ICCO, along with PAX Netherlands and Oxfam Novib (and Cordaid until January 2016), formed the organization United Civilians for Peace, which advocates for BDS campaigns against Israel and partners with highly politicized NGOs.
CICC played an integral part in the establishment of the International Criminal Court, as well as securing extensive power for NGOs within the ICC framework.
Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands jointly fund Israeli and Palestinian NGOs through the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Secretariat (the “Secretariat”).
Article 1 Collective is a small fringe group, with only 3 volunteer activists, a minimal budget, and an “Advisory Council” that “provides solicited and unsolicited advice about content and strategy...”
PAX Netherlands is the Dutch affiliate of Pax Christi, a “Catholic peace movement with 120 member organisations. Within the PAX umbrella, PAX Netherlands plays a leading role on the Arab-Israeli conflict, including demonization and other anti-Israel campaigns.
Oxfam-Novib, based in the Netherlands, is active in promoting an anti-Israel agenda.
