At the National Congress held in October 2022, Norwegian Union of Municipal and General Employees (Fagforbundet) adopted a resolution calling on Norwegian government to change its policy towards Israel.

“The 55-year long occupation of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in violation of international humanitarian law, has long been met with empty phrases while the situation for the Palestinians is deteriorating” – the resolution reads.

“The absence of sanctions from Norway is a betrayal of the Palestinians while at the same time undermining the role of humanitarian law in the international legal system. The Støre Cabinet and previous governments have said that Norway will contribute to a world order based on international humanitarian law. To achieve this, Norway must contribute with more than statements expressing concern”  unionists say.

Fagforbundet committed itself to:

• Work for an international boycott of Israel;

• Mobilize to ensure that the UN Independent Committee of Inquiry into Palestine (COL) investigate apartheid as the cause of Israel’s ongoing violations of humanitarian law and human rights;

• Urge Norway and the Norwegian government to take action to help stop the oppression of the Palestinian people. Violations of international humanitarian law must have consequences. Norway and other states must commit to implement measures in national and international forums, which holds the Israeli state accountable for its crimes;

• Urge Norway to work actively to ensure that persons suspected of apartheid crimes are prosecuted, and that victims of human rights violations and crimes against humanity receive full compensation;

• Work to ensure that Norway implements the UN Security Council resolution 2334 on the settlements in violation of humanitarian law, in their policy, and not directly or indirectly contributes to the maintenance of the settlements through investments or contracts with companies involved in violations of humanitarian law or human rights;

• Urge the Norwegian government to support human rights advocates who are persecuted for their work. For many years, Norway has been a champion of human rights defenders, including taking a leading role in the UN promoting resolutions in support of human rights defenders. Most recently, in April 2022, a resolution on human rights advocates in conflict situations, promoted by Norway, was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council.

Read full resolution here.