Al-Marsad has written to the European Union ('EU') High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles and EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi to inform them that Energix Renewable Energies Ltd. (‘Energix’) is exploiting COVID-19 to develop a windfarm in the occupied Syrian Golan (‘Golan’) that threatens Golani Syrians’ human rights and livelihoods, as well as to update them on Energix's lawsuit against Al-Marsad.

Al-Marsad’s letter explains how Energix representatives – accompanied by Israeli police – are visiting project sites to demarcate plots and erect signs. Meanwhile, due to COVID-19 movement restrictions, Golani Syrians are grounded in their homes, unable to monitor or peacefully protest Energix’s activities. The letter also outlines how Energix has attempted to silence Al-Marsad and others who expressed concerns about the project’s legality and impact on the Syrian population by suing Al-Marsad and members of the Syrian population under Israel’s controversial ‘Anti-Boycott Act’. Finally, it informs the EU that three UN Special Rapporteurs wrote to the Israeli government and Energix to outline their legal concerns with Energix’s project and lawsuits, and ask for more information and clarification on nine key issues.

Given the gravity of the situation, Al-Marsad calls on the EU to address the flagrant violations of international law occurring in the Golan with the Israeli government, and in particular to issue a public statement outlining the EU’s opposition to the project; attend hearings of the lawsuit against Al-Marsad to ensure compliance with fair trial standards; submit an amicus curiae brief to the court hearing the case against Al-Marsad; organise an EU fact-finding visit to the Golan; and, support human rights defenders in the Golan through training and funding.

 Al-Marsad – Letter to HR VP Borrell & Commissioner Varhelyi – May 2020