The Palestine Solidarity Network has issued judicial review proceedings to challenge the New Zealand Superfund’s investments in companies helping to build or maintain illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territories.
The case will be heard in the Auckland High Court on 14/15 October. The named plaintiffs are PSNA Co-Chairs, Maher Nazzal and John Minto, and Rawaa Elhanafy. The lawyers taking the case are Rodney Harrison KC and Frances Joychild KC.
Mahar Nazzal says the Superfund has investments in companies identified by the United Nations Human Rights Council as providing services and utilities supporting the maintenance and existence of illegal settlements on Palestinian land in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The UN list was updated in 2023 and the updated database is here in a pdf.
Nazzal says the recent report by Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese ‘From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide’ says when Israel is committing genocide in Gaza many companies such Booking.Com and AirBnB are profiting from “occupation tourism” in Palestine.
“We look forward to the court having a thorough look at the Superfund’s investments and whether they are in line with their legal obligations”
John Minto
John is doing a good thing, although those who prioritize profit over principle are almost certain to complain if they believe it will reduce the fund’s return. Since the current government has no moral character I don’t expect any help from them.
Great stuff.
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