Palestinian Territory: Anti-Corruption Laws and Regulations Under Scrutiny
Occupation of Palestine: A Concern for Norway and Norwegian Companies
The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has been vocal about violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory. As a partner organization, NPA has been working in Palestine since 1987 to support locally led humanitarian relief projects and advocate for Palestinian rights.
Israeli Occupation: A Breach of Human Rights
The Israeli occupation has resulted in numerous human rights breaches, including:
- Appropriation of land and natural resources
- Demolition of houses
- Confiscation of water resources
- Forced relocation
- Restriction of freedom of movement
Despite Norway and the EU not recognizing Israeli settlements in the West Bank as part of Israel, illegal settlement activities continue to thrive.
Official Recommendation by Norwegian Government
On March 7th, 2024, the Norwegian government issued an official recommendation to Norwegian companies to avoid all trade and business activities with and in the illegal Israeli settlements. The NPA sees it as its duty to advocate for Palestinian rights and ensure that Norwegian companies, institutions, and organizations do not violate IHL and human rights by engaging with companies supporting the settlements.
Concerns about Companies Exploiting Natural Resources
The NPA has raised concerns about companies exploiting natural resources in occupied Palestinian territory, supplying goods or services to Israeli prisons detaining Palestinian minors and prisoners without charge, and producing weapons and other military equipment used against civilians in Gaza. The organization is working to ensure that Norway and Norwegian companies do not support the occupation of Palestine through trade with- and investments in companies that contribute to the occupation.
Not Part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement
The NPA has clarified that it is not part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS), which originated from a 2005 petition launched by 170 Palestinian organizations. However, the organization recognizes that negotiations without pressure on Israel have failed, and Israel continues to expand settlements. For this reason, NPA believes it has become necessary to break ties with the occupation and put pressure on Israel to end its occupation.
Condemning Atrocities from Both Parties
The NPA has condemned atrocities from both parties in the Gaza conflict, calling for an immediate de-escalation of the situation and respect for civilian life while upholding IHL. The organization has raised special concern over Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law in its retaliatory actions following a Hamas terrorist attack.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since war broke out in Gaza in October 2023, the civilian population has been facing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented severity and scale. The population lives under constant bombardment and siege, deprived of basic necessities to survive. A substantial portion of homes, schools, hospitals, water infrastructure, shelters, and refugee camps have been destroyed, rendering Gaza uninhabitable.
Adaptation of Activities by Partner Organizations
As a consequence of this, most of NPA’s partner organizations have had to adapt their activities, providing aid and support during the ongoing aggression in Gaza and on the West Bank.