Important signal from Norwegian government on trade with, and investments in, illegal settlements

On Thursday, March 7th, 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 recommendation to put international law in the driver's seat when it comes to investment and trade is not only important in Norway, but is also a clear political signal internationally, not least to the Palestinian population who have called for the use of these kinds of recommendations.

- With the recommendation the Government has issued now, we have taken a step in the right direction of a total ban on trade with and investments in the illegal settlements, says Johansen.

In order for Norway to live up to its international obligations, a total ban is needed. This is the only way to fulfill the requirements of various UN resolutions which state that the settlements are in breach of international law.

- We are happy that Norway is more explicit in its recommendation than other European countries have been in theirs. They have talked more about the risk of these types of investments and have not directly advised against investments based on upholding international law, says Johansen.

At the same time, it's important to note that we have not reached the goal with today's recommendation. Along with the goal of a total ban, we believe that the Government should, among other things, go through the portfolio of our common wealth, the Oil Fund, and ensure that its investments do not contribute to supporting the occupation. We hope that this will be the starting point for an even more proactive policy from Norway, which aims to ensure respect for international law, and put an end to the occupation concludes Johansen.