Human Rights group lodges complaint with OECD on eve of CRH AGM

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Tuesday May 03, 2011 16:26 by John D - IPSC divestment at ipsc dot ie

On eve of CRH AGM: Complaint filed with OECD against CRH plc for violations of OECD Guidelines due to company's alleged involvement with Israeli violations of international law

Protest to take place outside CRH AGM tomorrow

On the eve of Irish multinational CRH's Annual General Meeting the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) are lodging a complaint with the OECD accusing CRH of complicity with Israel's violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law. The CRH AGM takes place at tomorrow Wednesday 4th May at 11am in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.

The complaint alleges that, due to its business operations in Israel/Palestine CRH plc, has failed to comply with the human rights responsibilities of multinationals under the OECD Guidelines. Through its 25% shareholding of Israel's sole cement producer, Nesher Cement Enterprises, CRH are accused of assisting Israel in violations of international law by providing Israel with cement and equipment that are used in the construction and maintenance of the Separation wall and illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The complaint asks the OECD to investigate CRH's alleged human rights violations.

Outside the AGM, the IPSC plan a highly visual photo-friendly protest, featuring a striking 'human wall' and a mock checkpoint with soldiers scale model wall. The wall will symbolise the illegal separation wall built by Israel in the occupied West Bank and will highlight CRH's complicity in human rights abuses in Palestine.

Meanwhile inside the AGM, members and supporters of the IPSC will inform CRH shareholders and the public of CRH's role in facilitating Israeli human rights abuses in occupied Palestine. Last year the issue of CRH's investment in Israel dominated the AGM proceedings and press coverage of the event.

IPSC Divestment Officer John Dorman explained: "CRH owns 25% of the Israeli company Mashav Initiative and Development Ltd which, in turn, owns Israel’s sole cement producer Nesher Cement Enterprises Ltd. Nesher provide up to 90% of all cement sold in Israel, including cement used in the construction of Israel's illegal separation wall in Palestine, illegal settlements and checkpoints."

Mr Dorman outlined the rational for the OECD complaint: "In lodging this complaint with the OECD, the IPSC is following the advice of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine which last November found CRH plc had potential legal liability for serious violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law. The Tribunal, which was chaired by Michael Mansfield QC, noted that civil claims against companies are possible in countries where they are domiciled, and that they may be subject to criminal prosecutions. This Tribunal advised taking companies complicit in violations of international law to the OECD for investigation."

Mr Dorman concluded: "The IPSC is calling on CRH to end its shameful investment in Israel and to stop profiting from the occupation of Palestine by divesting from its Israeli interests."

ENDS