Call for input: Human rights impact of business enterprises in the occupied Palestinian territory

Issued by Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967

Deadline: 03 November 2023

Objectives:

The thematic report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Ms. Francesca Albanese, to the Human Rights Council in March 2024 will investigate the impact of business enterprises (including financial institutions such as banks, pension funds, insurance companies) on the commission, maintenance and intensification of violations of international law and human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

The Special Rapporteur welcomes contributions from States and other authorities, national human rights institutions, human rights defenders, civil society organizations, business enterprises, academics, UN agencies and other stakeholders, on any of the following issues:

How do business enterprises affect key aspects of life, including economic, social and cultural rights in the oPt, particularly that of Palestinians under occupation?

How have the operations and impact of business enterprises in the oPt evolved since 1967?

What have been the most severe violations of human rights, the environment and international law connected to the operations and relationships of business enterprises in Israel and the oPt, particularly in the oPt?

To what extent do business enterprises contribute to, or are linked with, the maintenance and intensification of state and other actors’ violations and abuses of international law in the oPt and towards the Palestinian people?

To what extent are the practices, policies and relationships of business enterprises in the oPt in line with the Guiding Principles of Businesses and Human Rights and other relevant instruments of international law?

Have international mechanisms to address the potential negative involvement and impact of business enterprises on human and environmental rights in the oPt been adequately used? If not, why? What more/different could be done?

Can you share any examples of progressive initiatives or actions that have been taken to address or remedy violations of human rights and international law connected to the operation of business enterprises in Israel and the oPt?

Any other relevant information, which would assist the Special Rapporteur in drafting the report.

Next Steps:

How and where to submit inputs

Respondents are requested to limit their submission to maximum 2,500 words. Any additional materials such as summaries of, and hyperlinks to, relevant documents, statistical data, reports, articles, books, public statements, organizational and state pronouncements may be annexed to the submission. Inputs should be sent to hrc-sr-opt@un.org by 3 November 2023.

Photo: Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, talks to the media after presenting her report at the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council, during a press conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, 11 July 2023. Source: AP.