Today’s world is shaped by corporations. Businesses influence nearly every aspect of our lives. That’s why the recent UN report by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese —exposing the corporate role in sustaining what she calls an “economy of occupation, now an economy of genocide” — should not come as a surprise.
Let's address the elephant in the boardrooms: corporate reputations are facing unprecedented scrutiny. Albanese’s findings raise the stakes even higher. Yet, despite how dire the situation may seem, through my agency I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful business leaders who genuinely care about building a better world and who are deeply committed to human rights and justice. I know many of you share those values. This message is for you.
Now is the time to act, an opportunity to align your business practices with international law and human rights principles. Furthermore, you can proactively define how you can play a positive role in the global ecosystem. Your influence is powerful. Make sure it shapes the future for the better.
Why This Matters
Every investment, partnership, and procurement decision, whether made in Canada or abroad, shapes real lives and creates new realities. Invest in bad actors, and horrors follow. Prioritize humanity, and we can help prevent genocides.
That’s why the UN report is explicit:
“Corporate activities in a conflict-affected area can never be neutral; even where a corporate entity does not take sides in a conflict, its activities will inevitably affect the conflict dynamics.”
Doing nothing or continuing business as usual isn’t neutrality; it’s complicity.
What the UN Report Highlights
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has deemed Israel’s occupation unlawful and set 17 September 2025 as the deadline for it to end.
- States and businesses must not provide aid or assistance or enter into economic or trade dealings that sustain the illegal occupation, an obligation that can lead to legal liability.
- Failure of states to act does not absolve corporations of responsibility under international law or the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
Why Businesses Must Act Now
The companies named and violations cited in the report are not the only ones that could trigger accountability. Albanese’s findings present an opportunity for businesses to review their practices and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Here’s why action matters:
- Legal risk: Future litigation for aiding and abetting international crimes.
- Reputational risk: Consumers and human rights organizations are watching and demanding accountability.
- Moral responsibility: Executive teams have the power to either foster peace or continue harmful practices, and continuing harmful practices is abhorrent — unacceptable for the civilized world.
Expected Measures
If your business has ties to Israel’s economy, supply chains in occupied territory, or investments connected to the conflict, either direct or indirect, urgent reassessment is essential:
- Review your vendor list for products, services, and technologies.
- Cease corporate relations with Israel until the occupation and apartheid end and reparations are made.
- Audit trade, investments, and partnerships linked to the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt).
- Align your corporate policies with the UNGPs and ICJ rulings.
Leadership Opportunity: Proactive Measures for Ethical Business
Our values are reflected in the decisions we make as leaders. Businesses are not separate from the people who lead them. We act according to our principles by default. Good leaders can help humanity achieve the transformation needed for progress. It’s time to lead with integrity and make the world a more compassionate place.
- Publicly commit to human rights and justice.
- Issue a clear statement recognizing international law and condemning apartheid, occupation, and genocide.
- Adopt transparent supply chain policies
- Publish and enforce policies that prioritizes partners with strong human rights compliance and cuts ties with those enabling apartheid and genocide.
- Reallocate resources to positive impact
- Redirect investments to Palestinian businesses, educational initiatives, and humanitarian programs that foster resilience and empowerment.
- Support employee advocacy and safety
- Protect employees who speak up for human rights. Implement zero-retaliation policies for justice and human rights activisms.
- Commitment to human rights and non-discriminatory practices
- Invite your employees to affirm their commitment to human rights and equality by signing the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Pledge.
- Engage in collective business action
- Join or create coalitions of ethical companies advocating for accountability and justice in global supply chains to support each other and have a greater impact.
- Use corporate influence to pressure governments
- Leverage lobbying power to ensure state compliance with ICJ rulings and international law.
- Educate and train leadership teams
- Implement mandatory training on human rights and conflict sensitivity for executives and managers to avoid discriminatory or illegal practices.
- Provide mental health support
- Ongoing genocide and human rights atrocities can deeply impact your team members’ emotional well-being. Experiencing distress, anxiety, or grief in response to such events is a natural human reaction. As a leader, acknowledge this reality and create space for support.
For a comprehensive understanding, read the full UN Report:
