Tell Avon Pension Fund to Divest from Genocide

<div>I am a member of Avon Pension Fund. I understand only 1 in 5 members will be chosen to take part in the upcoming consultation on whether to maintain the current policy on defence and aerospace investments. I understand that despite this commitment, the Fund has not consulted members or their representatives on the design of the survey and is not giving all members the chance to vote. In the event I am not chosen to take part, I would like to ensure my voice is heard on this important issue.</div><div> </div><div>I understand that according to the Fund’s own estimates, Avon Pension Fund holds more than £22 million of investments in companies complicit in Israel’s grave violations of international law.</div><div> </div><div>According to Israel’s own data, at least 83% of Palestinians killed in Israel’s onslaught on Gaza were civilians. Over 90% of its population (mostly already refugees) have been displaced multiple times. As a result of recent ground invasion of Gaza City its entire population of (c. 1 million) and those remaining in North Gaza have been displaced – with no shelter, food or medical provisions and no information on when they may be able to return to their homes.</div><div> </div><div>The UN-backed hunger monitor, the IPC, has declared a famine in Gaza on 15 Aug 2025 as a result of Israel’s intentional blockade of humanitarian aid.</div><div> </div><div>Israel has destroyed or damaged every hospital and university, and almost the entire civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Its leaders now openly back the illegal annexation of Palestine.</div><div> </div><div>The world’s highest courts are rightly investigating Israel for suspected genocide and war crimes in Gaza. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two of its leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu. Locally, both Bristol City and North Somerset Councils have now passed motions calling on Avon Pension Fund to divest funds it manages on behalf of members from companies engaged in arms manufacture and trading, and from companies facilitating Israel’s illegal occupation.</div><div> </div><div>We welcome Avon Pension Fund’s commitment to survey its members on arms divestments, but are concerned that only small minority of members will be asked for their views. The Fund has a legal duty to protect members best interests including by canvassing their views, and in the event that I am not sent a ballot, I wish to express my views here.</div><div> </div><div>I do not want my wages and pension savings to be invested in companies facilitating or enabling human rights abuses.  I am writing to request that Avon Pension Fund divests from:</div><ul><li>All companies profiting from the sale of weapons systems, munitions, military equipment and technologies.</li><li>All companies facilitating the illegal acquisition of territory and serious human rights abuses.</li></ul><div>I look forward to hearing back from you about the actions you have taken.</div>

Get active

Support us

Our Campaigns

Digital resources

Information

For your stall

Tell Avon Pension Fund to Divest from Human Rights Abuses