UN Human Rights Council Resolution

Many of the international rulings seem to have little impact on Israel. 

However, the UN resolution to be voted on this week means that international companies who deal with settlements may be held liable for violations of  international law. Many companies are already withdrawing from involvement with Israeli settlements. 

Just read my blog on my visit to the Jordan Valley last Friday to know more about the human rights violations there. 

This resolution moves the debate on from simply "Boycott" by personal consumer choice, to "Ban" - meaning that the products will not be available. 

Israel is now responding by relabelling Jordan Valley settlement goods as "Made in Jordan" to avoid the boycott. 

Extract from Haaretz March 23rd

The United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva is scheduled to vote on five anti-Israel resolutions later this week, one of which includes a call to boycott and divest from West Bank settlements.

The draft resolution as published by UN Watch in Geneva states that the Israeli settlement enterprise makes Israel responsible for serious violations of international law, and calls on UNHRC member nations not to facilitate the continuation of these violations. “The direct or indirect assistance of States and private entities to the settlement enterprise constitute obstacles that have frustrated international efforts for the end of the occupation and fulfillment of the right of self- determination of the Palestinian people,” the resolution says.

The draft also notes “the probability of liability, including international criminal liability, for corporate complicity in breaches of international law related to illegal settlements,” and expresses satisfaction “that some businesses have withdrawn from settlements due to awareness of these risks.”

The resolution calls on all nations “to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in all circumstances, including in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, their territory and/or under their jurisdiction, including those owned or controlled by them, that conduct activities in or related to the settlements, respect human rights throughout their operations, by taking all necessary steps — including by terminating their business interests in the settlements.”

The resolution also calls for UNHRC member states to inform private persons and businesses of “the financial, reputational and legal risks, as well as the possible abuses of the rights of individuals, of getting involved in settlement-related activities, including economic and financial activities, the provision of services in settlements and the purchasing of property, and to prevent and discourage such involvement.”