human rights
Councils are currently deciding on policies for divesting pension funds from companies linked to human rights violations.
Tower Hamlets Council's Pensions Committee resolved in September 2026 to divest its pension fund from companies violating human rights, using the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights database. This decision followed a motion passed by the Full Council, with a report indicating minimal impact on returns. Separately, Sutton Pension Fund approved a revised responsible investment policy in March 2026, prioritising engagement over divestment.
Lewisham Pension Fund's Pensions Investment Committee approved revisions to its Responsible Investment Beliefs and Engagement Policy in March 2026, following a member survey in late 2025 that showed strong support for ESG principles. Kingston upon Thames Council's Pension Fund Panel is reviewing its responsible investment policy, including potential divestment from human rights violators, a process initiated in September 2025 after a public petition.
No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss human rights in relation to council pension fund investments. Councils are generally considering how to incorporate human rights, which are fundamental rights inherent to all human beings, into their responsible investment strategies, balancing engagement with divestment.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets Pensions Committee resolved in September 2026 to divest from companies on the UNOHCHR human rights violators list. Source
- A report to Tower Hamlets' committee said targeted exclusion would affect approximately 0.4% of the index. Source
- Sutton Pension Fund approved a revised responsible investment policy in March 2026, prioritising engagement. Source
- Lewisham Pension Fund's Pensions Investment Committee approved policy revisions in March 2026. Source
- A Lewisham Pension Fund member survey in late 2025 received 1,015 responses. Source 1 Source 2
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.