2024-08-09 03:00:06
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an opinion on July 19 that Israel’s colonization of the Palestinian territories is “Illegal” Several lawyers interviewed said that this event since 1967 will not be without repercussions for French companies, some of whose activities are linked to this presence.
Three French groups appeared The database, created by the United Nations in 2020, lists the following companies: “Directly and indirectly contribute to, promote and benefit from the construction and development of settlements”The list was drawn up by the High Council for Human Rights in response to a resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2016. It only covers certain sectors and is recorded at the last Updated in June 2023, there are 97 companies, most of which are Israeli.
There we find Altice International, owner of telephone operator SFR, Alstom, the world’s second largest railway construction company, and even Egis, specialized in construction works and infrastructure operations, in which the Caisse des Dépôts is a shareholder with a 34%.
“When the International Court of Justice declares the law, we can assume that it is the law, so this is an important opinion that the French courts will inevitably adopt if there is an appeal against the companies involved.”Alain Pellet, Professor Emeritus of Paris-Nanterre University and former Chairman of the United Nations International Law Commission, said.
Duty of vigilance
Even if companies are not bound by international law, they can have recourse in court under the duty of vigilance. This principle has existed in French law since 2017 and also applies to a European directive drawn up in July, which could result in fines for non-compliance. It requires most Large companies ensure that their activities do not violate human rights and respect environmental protection throughout the world and their customers or suppliers.
“La CIJ Asking States to adapt their legislation to prevent colonization or the maintenance of a powerful occupier in these territories, Add MEgypt Philippe Valent is a criminal lawyer at a Paris law firm. For Europe, this would mean imposing compliance rules on companies and deciding on a package of sanctions. But this is unlikely at the moment. »
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