Human rights violations
Newham Council is auditing its pension fund for divestment from companies involved in human rights violations, following a similar review by Sutton Council.
Newham Council committed in July 2026 to audit its pension fund to identify and divest from companies involved in human rights violations. This decision, made at a full council meeting, followed a motion to examine investments, particularly those in the arms trade and companies violating international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The council resolved to divest from companies complicit in abuses, war crimes, or illegal settlements, and the audit will define relevant terms.
This follows Sutton Council's Pension Fund decision in July 2025 to review its investment policy after a petition with over 2,000 signatures. The petition called for divestment from companies operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territories or those complicit in human rights violations in Gaza. The review was part of an update to the committee on developments at the London CIV.
Key facts
- Newham Council committed to audit its pension fund for divestment from companies involved in human rights violations in July 2026. Source
- The Newham decision was made at a full council meeting on July 13, 2026. Source
- Sutton Council's Pension Fund decided to review its investment policy in July 2025 following a petition. Source
- The Sutton petition called for divestment from companies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories or complicit in Gaza human rights violations. Source
- The Sutton petition had over 2,000 signatures. Source
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 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.