Volvo Group Implicated in Displacement of Palestinians, UN Report Reveals
Volvo Group is named in a UN report for its role in the displacement of Palestinians through its machinery supplied for illegal demolitions.
Key Points
- • UN report identifies Volvo Group as contributing to Palestinian displacement.
- • Volvo machinery allegedly used in the demolition of homes and illegal settlements.
- • The company claims it follows international guidelines and does not operate directly in Israel.
- • Volvo disputes the report's conclusions, citing incorrect information.
A new UN report by Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, has named Volvo Group as one of the companies contributing to the displacement of Palestinian families. The report highlights that Volvo’s heavy machinery has been used in demolitions and the construction of illegal settlements since at least 2007.
Specific incidents detailed include the demolition of three homes in Umm al Kheir in February 2025, which left 14 individuals homeless, and the destruction of nine homes in East Jerusalem in December 2024, leaving 35 people displaced. These actions have raised serious ethical concerns regarding the role of international corporations in conflict zones.
In response, Volvo Group defended its operations, asserting that it follows international guidelines and the UN’s principles on business and human rights. The company emphasized it does not have direct operations in Israel and sells its machinery through licensed dealers, thereby claiming limited control over its usage in the region. Volvo has criticized the report, describing the allegations as based on inadequate and partially incorrect information.