BNP Paribas is blocking international solidarity. In March 2022, BNP Paribas Fortis announced the closure of our accounts. The reason for this closure? It is not known!
According to its terms and conditions, BNP was not obliged to give us the reason. Viva Salud therefore had to open new accounts overnight and contact all our donors individually to ask them to change their standing orders, which is no small feat. Viva Salud and its partners have thus lost money, time and donors.
The sudden closure of our accounts has complicated the long-term support of our partners in the Global South. We have therefore decided to file a complaint. It's a bit like David versus Goliath, but we felt it was necessary to denounce this kind of practice and show that the power of banks is too great.
We also noted that the bank closed our accounts immediately after we supported the coalition.« Don't Buy into Occupation ». The coalition is campaigning for companies and institutions, including BNP Paribas, to take responsibility and stop financing Israel's illegal occupation.
Between January 2019 and August 2022, BNP Paribas granted $25.09 billion in loans and underwritings to companies complicit in Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, in addition to investments (shares and bonds) of $3.01 billion in these companies.
See you on 10 October for a hearing public
The proceedings took some time and will conclude on Thursday, 10 October at 9 a.m. with a public hearing.
We want to mobilise other organisations and individuals on that day to show that we are not alone in denouncing the abusive power of banks. Join us if you can!
Meet up for action at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, 10 October, at the corner of Rue aux Laines and Place Poelaert (Brussels).. You may leave at 9 a.m. or attend the closing arguments, which will last approximately two hours.
Please inform our colleague. Marilyse of your visit so that we can inform you of any changes! Contact her at the following address: marilyse@vivasalud.be
