Transparency needed regarding annual update UN database

Statement

18 March 2021

While the world is facing the devastating impacts of the Corona pandemic, Israel has escalated its illegal demolition of Palestinian homes and properties, hitting a four-year high.

With this statement therefore, SOMO together with 41 civil society organisations, urge the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to increase transparency regarding the annual update process for the database with a clear timeline for the 2021 update. This database lists all businesses engaged in activities related to Israel’s unlawful settlement enterprise in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The organisations also ask member states to take action.

This statement was read at 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.