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Johannesburg - Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu called on Thursday for the suspension of the Israeli Architects' Association from an international architectural body.
"I believe it would be appropriate for the UIA [International Union of Architects] to send a clear message of support for justice in Palestine and Israel by suspending the Israeli Architects' Association from the world body," Tutu said in a speech prepared for delivery at the UIA's 25th world congress in Durban.
Tutu appealed to architects from Israel to disassociate themselves and their profession from the design and construction of any infrastructure that could be related to injustice.
That included the separation wall in the West Bank, security terminals and checkpoints, and the Israeli settlements built on Palestinian land.
"I implore you to take this message home: Please turn the tide against violence and hatred by joining the non-violent movement for justice for all people of the region," he said.
Tutu told delegates that politicians had over the years tried to find a workable solution for the two nations to live in peace but they had not succeeded.
He said it was time for civil society to step into the void and persuade the people and leaders of Israel that it was in humanity's best interests to enter into dialogue.
