The Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) has composed a letter showing our alignment with and support for Architects for Gaza’s demand, and incorporating parts of ACAN’s Statement on Gaza. It was sent this week via traditional post and email to the RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki.
You can read the full letter below:
Dear President Oki and the RIBA Council,
Support for Architects for Gaza’s Demands
We are writing to you, because we are horrified by Israel’s relentless targeting of civilians in Gaza, the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid. These egregious acts represent a grave and escalating crime against humanity and the destruction of buildings, infrastructure, and landscapes is resulting in vast carbon emissions, the pollution of ecosystems, and the rupture of social-environmental balances.
As built environment professionals, we are particularly disturbed by efforts to frame the destruction of Gaza as a “real estate development opportunity” by the Israeli government, and echoing statements by the U.S. Government, led by President Trump, advocating for the permanent displacement of Palestinians.
We are therefore asking the RIBA to support the demands of Architects for Gaza that the RIBA:
• Publicly condemn Israel’s destruction of Palestinian homes, cities, infrastructure, and heritage — acts of genocide and war crimes that violate every principle of architecture and planning;
• Reinstate and expand the 2014 resolution calling for the expulsion of Israel from the International Union of Architects (UIA), this time naming the state of Israel due to its horrific genocide and war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank — using urbicide, scholasticide, and environmental destruction —breaching every one of the ethical and professional codes of the UIA, the UN Charter, and a long list of UN resolutions;
• Adopt a boycott position against UK firms and institutions participating in the design, planning, or rebuilding of projects in illegally occupied territories, unless it is to support the rebuilding of
destroyed homes, refugee camps, and villages destroyed by Israel and the illegal settlers;
• Support and amplify Palestinian-led and international reconstruction efforts, including initiatives such as Architects for Gaza, centring Palestinians’ needs, leadership, and vision;
• Divest and refuse funding, partnerships, or collaborations with Israeli state institutions, or international firms complicit in the occupation, colonisation, or ongoing erasure of Palestinian life and architecture;
• Commit to transparency: disclose RIBA’s financial and institutional ties, if any, with companies, organisations, or donors linked to Israel’s military-industrial or settler-colonial
infrastructure — and divest from them accordingly.
In addition, the RIBA should sanction any of its members who are working in breach of the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct who work in the illegally occupied territories on any projects apart from those to support the rebuilding of homes and buildings destroyed by Israel and the illegal settlers
Yours sincerely,
Jeremy Till
Chair Architects Climate Action Network Steering Group
