JCB Accused of Aiding Human Rights Abuses in India, Palestine, and Kashmir

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Report highlights allegations of illegal demolitions of homes by the British manufacturer of bulldozers

Team Clarion 

LONDON – Human rights organisations have issued a scathing report accusing British bulldozer manufacturer JCB of enabling illegal and inhumane home demolitions in India, Palestine, and Indian-administered Kashmir. The report, titled “Stop JCB’s Bulldozer Genocide: A Report on Human Rights Violations in Palestine, India & Kashmir,” was launched on Friday at Birkbeck College, University of London.

“The sun may have set on the British Empire, but British imperialism lives on. Today’s robber barons are ruthless and unethical multinational companies like J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB),” the report begins, accusing JCB of failing to uphold its responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The report alleges JCB’s equipment has been used in demolition campaigns targeting vulnerable communities. It calls on the company to sever ties with Israel’s Ministry of Defence, cease operations in occupied Kashmir, and ensure its products are not used to violate human rights.

During the report launch, activist Afreen Fatima from Allahabad, India, shared a powerful testimony via video link, describing the 2022 demolition of her family home under what she termed “Hindutva-led terror tactics.” Despite the hardship, Fatima expressed her unwavering hope for justice, declaring, “Tyranny cannot last forever. Injustice will one day meet its end.”

Two young Palestinian women, Tamara Ezz El-Din Barbar and Sara Maher Fhedat, shared their experiences of living under the constant threat of demolition. Sara recounted the story of her family home in Silwan, built by her late father, who was killed by Israeli forces. Both activists emphasised their optimism and determination to continue the fight for justice.

The report also highlights JCB owner Anthony Bamford’s connections to the Conservative Party and reveals that, despite allegations of offshore tax fraud, King Charles awarded him a Royal Warrant of Appointment earlier this year. “When a company sells its products, knowing they may be used to abuse human rights and does nothing to stop it, it fails to meet its moral and legal obligations,” the report asserts.

Peter Frankental, Director of Economic Affairs at Amnesty International, and human rights activist Kalpana Wilson called for sustained pressure on governments and corporations to prioritise human rights over profit. “Companies like JCB must be held accountable for their role in enabling abuses,” Frankental said.

The report was published collaboratively by several groups, including the South Asia Solidarity Group, South Asia Justice Campaign, Nijjor Manush, and South Asians for Palestine. It is part of the JCB Stop Bulldozer Genocide campaign and is available online for public access.

This report amplifies the call for accountability and focuses on the role of corporations in global human rights violations, urging immediate action to end the misuse of JCB equipment.

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