The UN human rights office has added 61 more companies to a blacklist of firms it says are involved in violating Palestinian human rights through business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Most of the 214 companies on the list, based in 11 countries, are Israeli. Five of the 158 companies listed last year were removed in the latest update. The blacklist, first published in 2020, came from a vote by the UN Human Rights Council, which cannot force companies to act. Its main goal is to name and shame businesses tied to the settlements. It is unclear how the listing has affected the companies financially. “This report is another reminder to companies that they have human rights responsibilities and are expected to conduct due diligence to ensure that they do not become involved in human rights violations or abuses,” said Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, in a statement. Israel said it “categorically rejects” the publication. “This database is meant to serve as a blacklist against businesses that have committed no wrongdoing,” the Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva said in a statement. “We call on friends not to yield to this ugly attempt to blacklist Israeli firms.” The UN office said it had informed the companies of their listing and given them a right of reply. The latest report comes as Israeli settlements in Palestinian areas face new scrutiny. Earlier this month, Britain banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, where it says “settler terrorists” are carrying out “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians. France and Canada announced they would take similar action.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs UN Blacklist of 61 Companies Over Alleged Involvement in Israeli Settlements
Beginner Questions
What is this UN blacklist
Its a list of 61 companies that the UN says are involved in business activities tied to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
Who made the list
The UN Human Rights Office following a request from the UN Human Rights Council in 2016
Why were these companies blacklisted
The UN says their activities like construction banking or supplying services allegedly contribute to human rights violations against Palestinians living in or near settlements
Are settlements illegal
Yes Most of the international community including the UN considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal under international law Israel disputes this
What does blacklisted actually mean here
It means the companies are publicly named Its not a legal punishment or a ban just a published list
How many companies are on the list
61 in total
Which countries are the companies from
Most are Israeli Others are from the US UK France Luxembourg Netherlands Canada Australia and Thailand
Can you give me an example of a listed company
Yes for instance major Israeli banks like Bank Leumi and Bank Hapoalim and travel companies like Airbnb and Booking Holdings have appeared on the list
What do the companies say
Most deny wrongdoing and say they follow all applicable laws Some say the list is biased or unfair
Does the list ban anyone from doing business with these companies
No Its informational Governments and investors can decide for themselves whether to act on it
Intermediate Advanced Questions
Whats the legal basis for the list
UN Human Rights Council Resolution 3136 which asked OHCHR to identify companies involved in specific settlementrelated activities
What kinds of activities get a company listed
The UN looks at things like supplying equipment for settlement construction providing surveillance tech financing settlement businesses or operating services in settlements
Has the list been updated since it was first published
Yes The original list came out in February 2020 and the UN has updated it since including the addition of 61 companies in a later update
Why is the list controversial
Supporters say it promotes accountability
