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Article

3 Apr 2017

Author:
Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights, London

Clarification on FIMI Opportunity Funds pending acquisition of G4S Israel

We acknowledge the announcement by G4S plc, on 2 December 2016, that it has reached an agreement on the sale of G4S Israel to FIMI Opportunity Funds. We have welcomed the decision to sell G4S Israel as being an act in accordance with G4S’ business and human rights responsibilities. The sale follows the 2015 adverse findings made by the UK National Contact Point (UK NCP) in relation to G4S' involvement with human rights violations in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). We note that G4S made no reference in its press release to the UK NCP's adverse findings against the company. It is therefore unclear whether FIMI is aware that G4S’ activities in Israel and the oPt have been found to be in breach of human rights obligations, or how FIMI will address such issues following its acquisition of G4S Israel...

We have seen no public assurance from FIMI that it will seek to address the human rights violations at Israeli prisons and detention centres, and at military checkpoints, including along the separation barrier. This omission, combined with the evidence that is has agreed to buy G4S Israel following the UK NCP's adverse findings, does raise initial serious concerns over whether FIMI has carried out adequate pre-acquisition due diligence, and whether it is giving appropriate consideration to its own business and human rights responsibilities. Given this please confirm:

  • Whether you were already aware of the findings that G4S’s activities in Israel and the oPt was in breach of human rights obligations; and
  • How you will seek to address the human rights violations at Israeli prisons and detention centres, and at military checkpoints, including along the separation barrier that are linked to the services provided by G4S Israel?

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