Norway Pension Fund: Israel Occupation Divestment
- Amnesty International is urging Norway's Government Pension Fund Global to divest from companies operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
- Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the need for the $1.8 trillion fund to align with international human rights standards.
- The organization contends that the fund's investments in companies profiting from Israel's actions in the OPT contribute to grave violations of Palestinians' rights.
Norway’s Pension Fund Faces Pressure to divest from Occupied Palestinian Territory
Updated May 26,2025
Amnesty International is urging Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global to divest from companies operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The call comes ahead of the May 27 conclusion of a Norwegian parliamentary review examining the fund’s investments.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the need for the $1.8 trillion fund to align with international human rights standards. She stated that divestment would set a new course for human rights.
The organization contends that the fund’s investments in companies profiting from Israel’s actions in the OPT contribute to grave violations of Palestinians’ rights. Amnesty International and other human rights groups have documented war crimes committed in the region over decades.
Callamard also highlighted the ongoing situation in Gaza, asserting that companies operating in the OPT risk reinforcing a prolonged military occupation. she stressed the obligation of states to prevent their sovereign wealth funds from contributing to human rights abuses.
“norway’s Government Pension Fund is the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world.The Norwegian government should divest its pension fund from any companies found to be involved in maintaining Israel’s unlawful occupation in the OPT,” Callamard said.
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights hold Norges Bank, which manages the fund, responsible for respecting human rights. This includes conducting due diligence to ensure investments do not contribute to violations of international law.
Amnesty International also noted that the fund is invested in companies listed in the UN database of businesses involved in the occupation of Palestine. They say this exposes shortcomings in the fund’s ethical framework.
What’s next
The Norwegian parliamentary review’s conclusion on May 27 could considerably impact the fund’s investment strategy and its approach to human rights considerations.