Finnwatch urges Finland to ban imports from Israeli settlements

By admin On Aug 13, 2025

Photo: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva

Finnish civil society organisation Finnwatch is calling for a national ban on imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements located in occupied Palestinian territories. The group says Finland should follow the example of Slovenia and Ireland, which have recently taken steps to halt trade with companies operating in settlements deemed illegal under international law.

The call follows an advisory opinion issued in July 2024 by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which found that states have a duty to prevent trade and investment ties that support illegal situations, such as the occupation maintained by Israel in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. The ICJ opinion also applies to Finland.

Sonja Finér, executive director of Finnwatch, said trade with settlement-based companies strengthens an economy that supports violations of international law.

“Israeli settlements are a major obstacle to peace. Companies operating in illegal settlements enable the occupation to continue. This economy must not be supported,” Finér said.

Israeli settlements are Jewish residential areas built in territories occupied by Israel after 1967. These include the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. Despite international opposition, Israeli officials have recently suggested building settlements in Gaza as well.

The Finnish government has previously supported proposals for an EU-wide import ban on settlement goods. Finnwatch argues that Finland does not need to wait for a joint European decision to take action.

“Finland could follow the example of Ireland and Slovenia by introducing its own national import ban,” Finér said.

The Slovenian government announced its ban in August. In Ireland, a draft law is currently under parliamentary review.

Products from settlements sold in Finland include cosmetics, wine, herbs and fruit. Finnwatch says these products are often mislabelled, making it difficult for consumers to identify them. Settlement goods may also appear in processed foods and restaurant menus without consumers’ knowledge.

“A national ban would block financial flows that support the occupation. But more importantly, it would increase pressure on the EU and send a clear message to companies profiting from illegal occupation,” Finér said.

Last week, Finnwatch submitted a formal initiative to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, urging the government’s advisory board on corporate social responsibility to issue guidance for businesses on how to avoid economic ties to settlements and potential war crimes.

“Discussion in Finland about corporate involvement in war crimes and illegal occupation is active. Businesses need clear instructions on how to comply with international standards,” Finér said.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi