UN Human Rights Office Expands Blacklist of Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements

The United Nations Human Rights Office has added 61 more companies to its "blacklist" of firms allegedly involved in violating Palestinian rights through business ties with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, according to an Associated Press report. The updated list now comprises 214 companies based in 11 countries, with the vast majority being Israeli. Five companies previously on the list, which was first published in 2020, have been removed.

Notable Israeli companies newly added include Tnuva, Netafim, Taavura, Africa Israel, Aloney Hetz, Energix, and Maman. The list, compiled by a decision of the UN Human Rights Council, lacks enforcement power and primarily serves to publicly condemn companies associated with settlements. The precise financial impact of being included on the list remains unclear.

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that the report serves as a reminder to businesses of their human rights responsibilities and the need for due diligence to avoid involvement in violations. Israel's diplomatic mission in Geneva criticized the database, calling it a political tool used by Türk's office for a "defamatory campaign" against businesses that have not committed illegal acts.