topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2117.66 -0.08
DAX 6323.19 -0.26
IBEX 30 6401.2 -2.17
CAC 40 3042.97 -0.16
FTSE 100 5356.34 0.09
AEX 292.76 0.00
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13057.26 -0.74
TSX Composite 11566.15 -0.09
ASX 4108.1 -0.29
Hang seng 18800.99 0.47
Straits Times 2787.22 0.52
ISEQ 20 501.76 0.16
You are here: Home News Dutch News Dutch investments in cluster bombs banned

Dutch News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


09/12/2009Dutch investments in cluster bombs banned

Majority of MPs supported a motion calling for Dutch banks and pension funds to withdraw investment in companies involved in making cluster bombs.

The Hague – Dutch banks and pension funds will no longer be allowed to invest in companies involved in making cluster bombs after a majority of the lower house supported a motion submitted by the Socialist Party and the Labour Party.

Socialist Party MP Krista van Velzen, who has been working on a ban on cluster bombs for many years, called the vote “a revolutionary step”.

According to Catholic peace organisation IKV Pax Christi, Fortis Netherlands, ING and Rabobank are all working towards withdrawing investments in companies which made cluster bombs while pension funds ABP and PGGM have ended all investments in this area.

Worldwide, there are 140 financial institutions throughout the world which invest in eight cluster bomb producers.

Cluster bombs consist of dozens, or even hundreds of bomblets which are distributed over a wide area. Some of the bomblets explode on impact, while others detonate upon contact like a land mine.
In May 2008, the Netherlands signed an international treaty to ban all cluster bombs.

A spokesperson for Pax Chrsiti called the vote “an enormous boost to the worldwide campaign against financial investment in cluster bombs.”

However, the move is opposed by Finance Minister Wouter Bos who preferred companies to act voluntarily.

Radio Netherlands / Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Americans in the Netherlands

reporting birth abroad

Relocating to the Netherlands

Taxation on Rental Apartments!

Housing in the Netherlands

Taxation on Rental Appartments?

Discuss Dutch Culture

High-quality fake passports, driver's licenses, ID

English in the Netherlands

Moved to Hengelo

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.