UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over alleged human rights violations against Palestinians
Israel ‘categorically rejects’ publication and says businesses on database have committed no wrongdoing The UN human rights office has added 61 more companies to a blacklist of firms that it says are involved in violating Palestinian human rights through business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The vast majority of the total 214 companies, which are based in 11 countries,…
The United Nations has expanded its list of companies accused of human rights violations against Palestinians by incorporating 61 additional firms. The human rights office claims these companies are linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, where they allegedly engage in activities that violate Palestinian rights.
Out of the 214 companies on the blacklist, the majority are Israeli. However, the list has seen a reduction of five companies since its last update. The blacklist, initiated in 2020, serves as a form of public shaming, but its enforcement power is limited as it lacks the authority to compel companies to change their behavior. The UN's human rights chief, Volker Türk, emphasized the importance of businesses adhering to human rights standards and conducting thorough due diligence to prevent involvement in rights abuses.
Israel has categorically rejected the publication, asserting that the companies listed have not committed any wrongdoing. The UN has notified the affected businesses and granted them the opportunity to respond. The latest addition to the blacklist comes amid heightened international scrutiny of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
Recently, Britain prohibited trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, accusing them of "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians, while France and Canada announced plans to follow suit.
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