BDS is a Palestinian-led movement that says freedom, justice, and equality are its guiding principles, and that it “upholds the simple principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity”. On its website, BDS says:
“Israel is occupying and colonising Palestinian land, discriminating against Palestinian citizens of Israel and denying Palestinian refugees the right to return to their homes. Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the BDS call urges action to pressure Israel to comply with international law.”
BDS describes itself as a “vibrant global movement made up of unions, academic associations, churches and grassroots movements across the world”. In the 13 years since its launch, BDS is “effectively challenging international support for Israeli apartheid and settler-colonialism”.
