The International Rescue Committee (IRC), known for its ongoing work to support migrants and refugees in conflict regions across the globe, is honoring BlackRock CEO Larry Fink with the John C. Whitehead Humanitarian Award — even though Fink and his investors reap huge profits from war and weapons.
Larry Fink stated that he would hold companies accountable for being responsible corporate citizens. However, under his watch, BlackRock maintains significant stakes in weapons companies such as General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. The products made by these weapons manufacturers create refugees and internally displaced persons. Weapons manufacturer General Dynamics is currently making a big profit from incarcerated migrant children at U.S. detention camps. These companies do not promote a humane and compassionate world, which is why we have been calling on BlackRock to divest its assets from weapons and warfare.
The two leading contributors to the current global refugee crisis are climate change and war. It is through the work of the IRC that refugees are able to gain a foothold in their host countries. Honoring Mr. Fink with a humanitarian award directly contradicts the mission and vision of the International Rescue Committee. Fink’s BlackRock props up weapons manufacturers, undermining diplomacy between countries and preventing the proper compassionate care of refugees and internally displaced persons.
Let IRC know they shouldn’t honor anyone who is making a killing on killing.
For a better world for migrants and refugees,
Ann, Ariel, Brad, Brienne, Jodie, Katie, Kirsten, Mark, Medea, Nancy, Natasha, Paki, Rita, Sarah, and Tighe