Labour urges ACC action on Israel settlement investments.
The Labour Party is calling for the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) to immediately divest from companies involved in the construction and maintenance of Israel's illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This move comes after a recent International Court of Justice ruling declared these settlements unlawful under international law.
According to Labour, the ACC has stated it is reviewing its investments in these companies, but the party believes urgent action is needed. Labour spokesperson Rachel Boyack criticized the National Government for not taking sufficient action despite the ICJ's advisory opinion, which also emphasizes countries' legal duty not to aid or assist the settlements.
Labour is urging the Government to require ACC and other state-owned funds to divest from these companies. They are also calling on the Government to ban its agencies from purchasing goods and services from the settlements. The party has expressed concerns that New Zealand's inaction may be seen as supporting the illegal settlements, which could have far-reaching consequences for the country's international reputation.