We're now a member of Progressive Bloggers!

Thanks to my Facebook friend Scott Tribe of Progressive Bloggers for informing me that the moderators have agreed to bring us aboard. Not only will we be on the blogroll, but when we put up a blog post, it will appear on the front page of PB, and thereby be immediately visible to scores of progressive-minded bloggers across Canada. Thanks again, PB.

Business and human rights is a fascinating area of human rights advocacy. We believe that not just governments, but transnational companies as well, ought to be held to a account with respect to human rights violations. This opens up a whole new realm of avenues we can take to ensure that the human rights of all are respected. Please feel free to learn more about our group on the left sidebar and links to other BHR sites farther down the sidebar. You can also learn about the issues that concern us in our blog posts.

Vancouver-based companies Jetgold and Leeward Capital withdraw from Burma

Via Tara Scurr, I have received the following news release from the Canadian Friends of Burma. If I find an online source for this, I will link to it.

Sept. 28, 2007

JetGold and Leeward suspend operations in Burma

Ottawa - Canadian Friends of Burma has learned that Vancouver-based Canadian mining companies, JetGold and Leeward Capital, decided to suspend their exploration operations in Burma and withdraw from the Set Ga Done Gold Property.

A statement issued today reasons the suspension for “the recent political instability” in Burma and "increasingly difficult to operate under the inflexible and bureaucratic rules imposed on our operations."

It also said "it has been increasingly difficult to operate under the inflexible and bureaucratic rules imposed on our operations.”

The Canadian Friends of Burma welcomes this decision and also urges other Canadian companies to follow suit, given the proven political instability and the mounting political oppression in Burma.

Early January this year, Vancouver-based Ivanhoe Mines that operates Monywa mines in Burma decided to divest their assets. Ivanhoe holds a big chuck of shares in the two companies.

From Marketwire, here is a message from Jetgold:

Sep 28, 2007 16:53 ET
Jet Gold Corp. and Leeward Capital Suspending Myanmar Operations

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 28, 2007) - Robert L. Card, President of Jet Gold Corp. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:JAU) reports that Jet Gold and Leeward Capital have decided to suspend their exploration operations in Myanmar and withdraw from the Set Ga Done Gold Property. This action is dictated by the recent political instability and the inability of Quad Energy S.A. to fund the exploration program.

The companies have operated successfully in Myanmar for many years. We have employed Myanmar geologists and geotechnical staff for the last five years in our exploration programs. We have co-operated with the Department of Geological Survey and Minerals Exploration (DGSE) in evaluating the gold potential of Myanmar. However, recently it has been increasingly difficult to operate under the inflexible and bureaucratic rules imposed on our operations.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

JET GOLD CORP.

Robert L. Card, President

Burma-related items.

In light of recent events in Burma, some countries, including France and Britain, have called for sanctions against the junta in Burma. Not only that,

Sarkozy also urged French businesses - including oil giant Total - to restrain from new investment in the country.

Total said Wednesday it is monitoring the mounting unrest in Myanmar and plans to continue its operations there.

I think Stephen Harper should make the same demand of Ivanhoe.

Also in news particularly pertinent to the recent violent attacks by government troops in Burma is the reiteration from the Burma Campaign in Britain, directed at British companies, that "if there is a crackdown and the regime opens fire, you have paid for the bullets."

The Campaign in the UK says up to 150 international companies, including many from Britain, trade with Burma – particularly in the travel, timber, gems and clothing sectors – making a total investment of £1.2bn every year.

The pro-democracy activists yesterday welcomed Gordon Brown's calls for "immediate international action" and restraint from the military junta, as protests grabbed the world's attention. But they said it was time the Prime Minister backed up political words with heavier sanctions against the junta.

"The Government has generally taken a lazy approach. When it comes to economic pressure, it has done nothing," said Mark Farmaner, spokesman for the Burma Campaign UK. "The US banned investment in 1997 but we have not. There are no trade sanctions at all apart from limited sanctions by the EU in 2004."

UPDATE: If you're in Canada, you can go here to sign a petition going to Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier, or attend a protest at Parliament Hill on the evenings of September 26, 27, and 28. There may be events in your area as well.

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - September 26, 2007

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 26 September
2007

CLICK THIS LINK FOR ALL TOP STORIES added past 7 days /
Principales noticias / Articles de premier plan:
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Categories/Topstories?date=2007/09/26 

The top stories include / Las noticias incluyen / Les articles
incluent:

* Global Witness & UN Special Rep. John Ruggie join for project on
corporate abuses in conflict zones
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/642002

* SocialFunds article on study by John Ruggie & IFC of investment
contracts & human rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/351781

* Burma Campaign UK says firms that invest in Burma "have paid for
bullets" - refers to Rolls Royce
- UK Foreign Office says British investment in Burma is "negligible" -
response by Burma Campaign UK
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/537529

* UN Special Rapporteur on right to health launches draft human rights
guidelines for pharmaceutical companies on access to medicines
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/439814

* Nigeria: Environmental groups warn of "unprecedented loss of lives"
if safety concerns are not addressed in pipeline projects, particularly
Gaslink's project
- Gaslink response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/300373

* China: New law grants workers the right to sue employers for
discrimination
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/445904

* Coca-Cola finds source water protection can reduce its costs &
benefit communities
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/751516

* Colombian Government may seek extradition of Chiquita executives for
payments to paramilitary squads
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/722333

* International Trade Union Confederation publishes "annual survey of
violations of trade union rights"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/667902

* Wal-Mart to ask suppliers to report on their greenhouse gas emissions
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/751777

* "Out of sight": ILO report on exploitation of girls in mining -
Ghana, Niger, Peru, Tanzania
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/612385

* UK: Unions demand govt. gives migrant workers equal rights - article
cites cases, includes company responses
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/529334

* Peru: Communities vote overwhelmingly against Monterrico Metals
mining project - includes comments by company's chairman
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/926740

* Africa: HP launches project to improve e-waste recycling - aims to
create jobs in disadvantaged communities
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/239228

* Policy Innovations interviews Annabel Short about the Business &
Human Rights Resource Centre's new website
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/774230

* Español: Colombia: Ex-fiscal pide solicitar en extradición a
ejecutivos de Chiquita por pagos a paramilitares
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/686782

* Español: Confederación Sindical Internacional publica el "informe
anual sobre las violaciones de los derechos sindicales"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/562171

* Español: España: Triodos Bank y Amnistía Internacional lanzan el
primer producto bancario vinculado a los derechos humanos
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/390908

* Español: República Dominicana: Protestas contra contaminación del
agua que provoca la zona franca de Bahía de Neiba
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/513806

* Español: Nuevo estudio de la OIT revela la explotación de niñas en la
minería en Ghana, Níger, Perú, Tanzania
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/951082

* Français : Rép. Dém. du Congo : ONG locale demande à Chevron de
clarifier la nature de déchets toxiques dans le littoral de Muanda
- Chevron a indiqué qu'elle répondra à la demande ; nous inclurons la
réponse la semaine prochaine
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/343932

* Français : La Confédération Syndicale Internationale publie son
rapport mondial sur les violations des droits syndicaux
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/581803

* Français : Articles sur la présence de Total en Birmanie
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/838023

* Français : Étude du BIT révèle le double fardeau des petites filles
plus souvent exploitées pour le travail dans les mines au Ghana, Niger,
Pérou et en Tanzanie
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/618595

* Français : Mali : L'exploitation des mines d'or contribue peu au
développement, selon FIDH
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/988468

* Français : Indonésie : Chevron assiste à la création d'une réserve
marine qui favoriserait le développement durable
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/318337

We've just joined CitizenShift

There is a brand new Canadian blog network that we have just joined. It's called CitizenShift. You can find the link to it in the left sidebar under "Blog Networks we belong to." I found out about them on Facebook. The description of their group on Facebook I think is a pretty good and succinct one:

CitizenShift is an interactive platform where you can explore social issues through video, audio, photos, blogs, and more. Focusing on a new theme every month, this is a space for you to engage with other activists and creative people and share your media.

This sounds like a very innovative organization, and I am excited to find out what social change possibilities exist here.

Block Party!

We will have an information table a block party this Saturday. It will be on West 27th Ave. between Main and Ontario in Vancouver. It will be starting at 11 am and continuing into the late afternoon. I'm not sure of the itinerary, but there will be a performer at 4 pm a little bird told me.

Thanks to Sean-Patrick at Salt Spring Coffee Co., for filling me in on this. There may be more details to follow.

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - September 19, 2007

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 19 September 2007
CLICK THIS LINK FOR ALL TOP STORIES added past 7 days / Principales
noticias / Articles de premier plan:
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Categories/Topstories?date=2007/09/19 


The top stories include / Las noticias incluyen / Les articles
incluent:

* "Human Rights Policies of Chinese Companies: Results from a Survey"
conducted for UN Special Representative John Ruggie
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/526850

* Interview with John Ruggie in Financial Express (India)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/732875

* Iraq: Govt. revokes Blackwater's licence to operate after incident in
which at least 8 civilians were killed
- Blackwater response, press articles, commentaries
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/IraqBlackwater16Sep2007 

* UN General Assembly adopts Declaration on Rights of Indigenous
Peoples
- includes provisions on development, environment, non-discrimination,
cultural rights, control of resources
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/679061

* Merowe dam, Sudan: UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing
concerned about forced evictions, other abuses (further to our last Update):
- Ali Askouri, Leadership Office of Hamdab Affected People, & others
comment on Lahmeyer statement
- Lahmeyer responds to Ali Askouri
- We have still not received a response from Harbin
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/KothariMerowedamAug2007

* USA: Report by Human Rights Campaign finds growth in company policies
for gay & transgender workers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/114575

* "Global Compact Critics" blog launched
- Comments by Global Compact Office about the blog
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/914864

* US court dismisses lawsuit alleging Caterpillar bulldozers aided
killing & torture in Israeli Occupied Territories - court said that
rendering a judgment would interfere with US foreign policy
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/106858

* So. Korea: Natl. Human Rights Commission and Federation of Korean
Industries co-host conference on disclosure, labour rights, environment
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/996279

* IBM & IFC develop toolkit to help small businesses in poor countries,
women & minority entrepreneurs in USA
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/853614

* Job posting: Private Sector Focal Point at the Global Fund to Fight
AIDS, TB and Malaria (deadline 22 Sep)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/423438

* Espa�ol: Per�: 3 comunidades votan abrumadoramente en contra de
proyecto minero R�o Blanco de Majaz
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/947148

* Espa�ol: Asamblea General de la ONU aprueba la Declaraci�n de
Derechos de los Pueblos Ind�genas
- contiene art�culos sobre desarrollo, medio ambiente,
no-discriminaci�n, derechos culturales, control de recursos naturales
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/849098

* Espa�ol: Espa�a: Grupo SEAT logra disminuir frecuencia y gravedad de
accidentes laborales en sus f�bricas
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/763011

* Espa�ol: El Salvador: Caso de contaminaci�n por plomo de la empresa
Bater�as Record ser� presentado ante las Naciones Unidas
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/403388

* Espa�ol: Espa�a: Juzgado sentencia a El Corte Ingl�s por discriminar
a mujeres en su sistema de promoci�n
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/381748  

* Fran�ais : � Document de Travail sur les Droits de l'Homme � d'IPIECA
est �dit� en fran�ais - groupe �cologique de l'industrie p�troli�re
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/974193

* Fran�ais : Irak : Blackwater accus�e d'aggression qui a provoqu� la
mort de neuf civils - la firme se d�fend, la justice irakienne pourrait
lancer des poursuites
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/391586

* Fran�ais : D�claration des droits des peuples autochtones adopt�e par
l'ONU - articles, communiqu�s & commentaires
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/Dclarationdesdroitsautochtones

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by UN

Despite the opposition of the Canadian government, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has been adopted by the UN General Assembly. Needless to say, the protection of indigenous rights inherently has implications for many of the world's citizens whose rights have been threatened by transnational companies, and this treaty is no exception.

Whether it's the internal displacement from their land, or the poisoning of their local environment that sustains them, to name two examples, far too many of the world's indigenous peoples have had their fundamental human rights violated at the whim of some of these companies.

“Canada will need to work hard to undo the harm done to its international reputation and influence by this unnecessary and unprincipled opposition to the Declaration,” says Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “Implementation of the Declaration within Canada is one of the best ways the government could once against demonstrate positive leadership in the international community.”

The full text is here.

Here are what I think are some key provisions in the recently passed declaration:

Article 7

1. Indigenous individuals have the rights to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and security of person.

2. Indigenous peoples have the collective right to live in freedom, peace and security as distinct peoples and shall not be subjected to any act of genocide or any other act of violence, including forcibly removing children of the group to another group.


Article 8

1. Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right not to be subjected to forced assimilation or destruction of their culture.

2. States shall provide effective mechanisms for prevention of, and redress for:

(a) Any action which has the aim or effect of depriving them of their integrity as distinct peoples, or of their cultural values or ethnic identities;

(b) Any action which has the aim or effect of dispossessing them of their lands, territories or resources;

(c) Any form of forced population transfer which has the aim or effect of violating or undermining any of their rights;

(d) Any form of forced assimilation or integration by other cultures or ways of life imposed on them by legislative, administrative or other measures;

(e) Any form of propaganda designed to promote or incite racial or ethnic discrimination directed against them.

Article 10

Indigenous peoples shall not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories. No relocation shall take place without the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples concerned and after agreement on just and fair compensation and, where possible, with the option of return.

Article 17

1. Indigenous individuals and peoples have the right to enjoy fully all rights established under applicable international and domestic labour law.

2. States shall, in consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, take specific measures to protect indigenous children from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's education, or to be harmful to the child's health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development, taking into account their special vulnerability and the importance of education for their empowerment.

3. Indigenous individuals have the right not to be subjected to any discriminatory conditions of labour and, inter alia, employment or salary.

Article 19

States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.

Article 20

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and develop their political, economic and social systems or institutions, to be secure in the enjoyment of their own means of subsistence and development, and to engage freely in all their traditional and other economic activities.

2. Indigenous peoples deprived of their means of subsistence and development are entitled to just and fair redress.

Article 26

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired.

2. Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership or other traditional occupation or use, as well as those which they have otherwise acquired.

3. States shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources. Such recognition shall be conducted with due respect to the customs, traditions and land tenure systems of the indigenous peoples concerned.

Article 27

States shall establish and implement, in conjunction with indigenous peoples concerned, a fair, independent, impartial, open and transparent process, giving due recognition to indigenous peoples� laws, traditions, customs and land tenure systems, to recognize and adjudicate the rights of indigenous peoples pertaining to their lands, territories and resources, including those which were traditionally owned or otherwise occupied or used. Indigenous peoples shall have the right to participate in this process.

Article 28

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to redress, by means that can include restitution or, when this is not possible, just, fair and equitable compensation, for the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned or otherwise occupied or used, and which have been confiscated, taken, occupied, used or damaged without their free, prior and informed consent.

2. Unless otherwise freely agreed upon by the peoples concerned, compensation shall take the form of lands, territories and resources equal in quality, size and legal status or of monetary compensation or other appropriate redress.

Article 29

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the conservation and protection of the environment and the productive capacity of their lands or territories and resources. States shall establish and implement assistance programmes for indigenous peoples for such conservation and protection, without discrimination.

2. States shall take effective measures to ensure that no storage or disposal of hazardous materials shall take place in the lands or territories of indigenous peoples without their free, prior and informed consent.

3. States shall also take effective measures to ensure, as needed, that programmes for monitoring, maintaining and restoring the health of indigenous peoples, as developed and implemented by the peoples affected by such materials, are duly implemented.

Article 32

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and other resources.

2. States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of their mineral, water or other resources.

3. States shall provide effective mechanisms for just and fair redress for any such activities, and appropriate measures shall be taken to mitigate adverse environmental, economic, social, cultural or spiritual impact.

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - September 12, 2007

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 12 September
 2007

CLICK THIS LINK FOR ALL TOP STORIES added past 7 days / Principales
 noticias / Articles de premier plan:
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Categories/Topstories?date=2007/09/12 

The top stories include / Las noticias incluyen / Les articles
 incluent:

* Merowe dam, Sudan: UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing
 concerned about forced evictions, other abuses
- Responses by Alstom, Lahmeyer
- We have also invited Harbin to respond.  We will indicate in next
 week's Update whether it has responded.
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/695251 

* Death of Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop, 10 Sep 2007
- Tributes, including by John Morrison: "She was perhaps the first CEO
 ever to put the words business and human rights into the same sentence"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/AnitaRoddick 

* "How to take the wrong approach to business and human rights":
 Ethical Corporation editor comments on ESCR-Net survey
- Response by ESCR-Net: "How to Take the Wrong Approach to Informed
 Debate"
- Comment by Legal Director of EarthRights International
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/921801

* Women in media in 4 African countries develop code of conduct for
 reporting on children, including sexual abuse
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/791421

* Inter-American Commission asks Peruvian Govt. to take steps to
 protect health of La Oroya inhabitants from Doe Run contamination
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/709732 

* Philips CEO: "Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/331560   

* US mutual funds called on to divest from CNPC, PetroChina over Darfur
 - includes responses by Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, Vanguard
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/172611
 
* Robert Reich's "Supercapitalism" argues CSR is "dangerous diversion",
 govts. are responsible for regulating companies: Reviews &
 commentaries
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/ReichSupercapitalism

* USA: Human Rights Watch concerned that Smithfield still denies union
 rights, urges FTSE4good to remove Smithfield from index (further to our
 29 Aug Update)
- We will invite Smithfield to provide a response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/250997

* USA: "6 years after Sept. 11, Muslims see more inclusive workplaces"
 - positive steps by JPMorgan Chase, IBM
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/550510

* China: CSR Asia analysis of "collective contracts" between companies
 & their workers, under new labour law 
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/675725

* Africa: Ericsson partners with UN & Earth Institute to bring mobile
 phone access to over 400,000 poor
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/582534

* Español: Perú: Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos pide
 medidas urgentes para proteger a La Oroya ante contaminación de Doe Run
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/272744

* Español: España: Siniestralidad laboral se duplica en Álava tras
 muerte de segundo trabajador herido en accidente en la empresa Bionor
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/272445

* Español: Argentina: Edenor entrega 2 viviendas energéticamente
 eficientes a familias pobres como parte de proyecto piloto
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/662928

* Español: España: Informe de UE reporta sobre casos de discriminación
 racial y xenofobia en el ámbito laboral
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/403939 

* Español: Argentina: Clausuran refinería de Shell por contaminación
- Shell presentará en un plan de saneamiento para que el gobierno
 levante la clausura
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/847173

* Français : Appel aux fonds d'investissement américains de vendre
 leurs actions dans CNPC, PetroChina à cause du Darfur - avec réponses des
 entreprises
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/899979  

* Français : Havas annonce sa neutralité carbone, promet de réduire ses
 émissions, mais il « manque un plan opérationnel pour y arriver »,
 selon Novethic
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/341220 

* Français : Dyncorp est le sujet d'un procès aux Etats-Unis par des
 indigènes équatoriens fumigués d'herbicide anti-cocaïne
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/912128

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - September 5, 2007

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 5 September
2007

CLICK THIS LINK FOR ALL TOP STORIES added past 7 days /
Principales noticias / Articles de premier plan:
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Categories/Topstories?date=2007/09/05

The top stories include / Las noticias incluyen / Les articles
incluent:

* Report for John Ruggie: States' responsibilities to adjudicate
corporate activities under UN Convention on Elimination of Discrimination
against Women
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/342796

* Guyana: Allegations of safety & labour abuses at Chinese-owned wood
processing factory
- Responses by Chinese companies: Baishanlin, BUCC
- Follow-up article: Guyana's labour minister notes improvements at the
plant, promises stronger enforcement of labour laws
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/398468

* Orissa, India: ActionAid raises concerns about impact of Vedanta
Resources alumina project on indigenous groups & environment
- Vedanta response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/700628

* Nigeria: Workers at Standard Flour Mills allege anti-union practices,
racial discrimination, safety breaches
- Standard Flour Mills response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/148487

* John Ruggie letter to ESCR-Net regarding its survey of corporate
human rights abuses
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/840961

* So. Korean newspaper calls for end to labour rights abuses by Korean
companies operating overseas, and says: "It is becoming ever harder to
do business anywhere while ignoring universal human rights"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/679918

* Uganda's flower industry: Code for farmers & managers helps raise
labour standards
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/419738

* Amnesty Intl. urges UK firms to act on China rights abuses
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/148681

* India: Posco compensation to families displaced by steel plant -
includes training in producing goods for export, and a guaranteed market
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/792835

* USA: Social investors oppose proposed regulations that would limit
shareholders' rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/710015

* Columbia University invites applications to Human Rights Advocates
Program 2008 (deadline 9 Oct)
- Focus areas include: Environment, labour, development, abuses by
multinational corporations
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/950695

* Job announcement, Vodafone: Interim Senior Corporate Responsibility
Manager - issue areas include human rights, supply chain, freedom of
expression
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/961258

* Espa�ol: Chile: Programa de TV relata dura realidad de mujeres
trabajadores en la agroindustria
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/890448

* Espa�ol: Per�: Vecinos de Tekno Qu�mica piden la reubicaci�n de la
f�brica por representar "peligro a la salud humana"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/154094

* Espa�ol: Argentina: Estudio dice que escoria dejada por Metal Huasi
en Abra Pampa causa que 81% de ni�os tenga plomo en su cuerpo
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/953374

* Espa�ol: Colombia: Empresarios proponen la creaci�n de una mesa
nacional de responsabilidad social empresarial para "garantizar el
cumplimiento de las metas del milenio"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/821491

* Fran�ais : France : A�roports de Paris condamn� pour licenciement
raciste
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/309405

* Fran�ais : Google, HP, IBM visent � diminuer la consommation
d'�nergie de leurs centres serveurs pour r�duire leur impact climatique
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/846501

Royal Dutch Shell proposal threatens Sacred Headwaters in BC

While there are many places around the world in which Canadian or international companies are implicated in real or potential human rights violations, we must not forget that such violations also take place right here in our backyard.

Thanks to group member Tara Parsons for sending to me the following article from the Georgia Straight and many of the links below.

World-renowned BC anthropologist Wade Davis is raising alarm bells about a potential coalbed methane development in Northern BC, at the headwaters of major salmon systems. Here is an excerpt:

In recent years, there have been ripples in the wild serenity of Tahltan territory, the place that Davis–along with David Suzuki, who also has a residence on Ealue Lake–considers a second home. Because of the booming economies of China and India, once-marginal mineral and fuel deposits in this geologically rich and remote region have piqued the interest of investors and speculators. Now Davis is gearing up for a fight to protect Canada's Serengeti from the spectre of coal-bed methane development. In 2004, the B.C. government awarded mineral rights to Shell Canada Ltd. for the Klappan methane reserve, estimated at eight trillion cubic feet. Shell's proposed development occurs among the small tributaries that give rise to the great salmon systems of the Nass, Stikine, and Skeena rivers, a place in the Klappan Valley the Tahltan people call the "sacred headwaters".

"The Nass, Skeena, and Stikine are all born within a remarkably short distance of each other," Davis says. "This is a place that should be celebrated but instead, without a thought, we are about to violate the very meadows where these rivers are born. The issue is not about development or no development, it's the pace of development, where and for whose benefit. My message to Shell is that this is not the place for this kind of development, at the headwaters of some of our greatest salmon rivers. This kind of development will bring in itinerant labour and won't do anything for the Tahltan."

Read the whole article here.

Here are some links for more info:

Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition: Help us keep Royal Dutch Shell out of the Sacred Headwaters!

Sacred headwaters

British Columbia: Nigeria North? (YouTube)

Citizens Concerned About Coal Bed Methane

Dogwood Initiative

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - August 29, 2007

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 29 August 2007

CLICK THIS LINK FOR ALL TOP STORIES added past 7 days /
Principales noticias / Articles de premier plan:
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Categories/Topstories?date=2007/08/29

The top stories include / Las noticias incluyen / Les articles
incluent:

* ESCR-Net "call for emblematic cases" of human rights abuses involving
business, for report to UN Human Rights Council
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/957517

* Colombia: Glencore, Unión Fenosa accused of labour rights abuses
- Two reported attempts on life of trade unionist from
Glencore-licensed mine
- Glencore response
- Unión Fenosa response (only in Spanish)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/GlencoreandFenosa

* Human Rights Watch criticises continued inclusion of Smithfield Foods
in FTSE4Good index after "numerous violations of US labor law"
- FTSE responds
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/492867

* Coca-Cola joins Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/395806

* LA Times: Sudan prospers despite US sanctions over Darfur due to
Chinese investment, loopholes used by companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/479509

* China: Yahoo!, Microsoft sign self-regulatory Chinese Govt.
guidelines that encourage censorship & monitoring of blogs
- Reporters Without Borders condemns decision - Yahoo & Microsoft say
they will not register bloggers' real names
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/649670

* Mexico: Judge suspends construction of La Parota dam by CFE
- Ruling aims to protect farmers' rights to healthy environment, fair
trial, judicial protection
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/502468

* Book by Mary Robinson, "A voice for human rights" - with chapter on
business & human rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/805059

* USA: "Hidden bias" & unfairness in workplace estimated to cause 2
million professionals per year to quit jobs - Level Playing Field
Institute report
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/865291

* Liberia: Raw materials sector risks fuelling conflict again if it is
not re-organised
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/121632

* American Rights at Work profiles successful labour rights initiatives
- Examples include AT&T, SCA Tissue, Thompson Electric
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/241305

* Español: Colombia: Sindicato del carbón alega prácticas
anti-sindicales y persecuciones por parte de Glencore y de Unión Fenosa
- Respuestas de las empresas
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/Glencore-y-Fenosa

* Español: Red-DESC solicita "casos emblemáticos" de abusos de derechos
humanos por parte de empresas, para reporte que será presentado ante
la ONU
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/449603

* Español: México: Juez suspende provisionalmente la construcción de la
presa La Parota "para evitar daños irreparables"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/793973

* Español: Argentina: Secretaría de Ambiente clausura fábricas de
Danone y Bridgestone-Firestone por poner en peligro el ambiente y la salud
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/833765

* Español: Chile: Sindicatos y diputados denuncian "prácticas
antisindicales" en D&S - la empresa lo niega
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/283397

* Español: Argentina: Megaflex instala en su planta una escuela de
formación primaria para trabajadores que no terminaron su educación
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/292777

* Français : Laos : Le barrage de Nam Theun est "un laboratoire" en ce
qui concerne la réduction des impacts sociaux et environnementaux
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/572171

* Français : Réseau DESC invite des soumissions des "cas emblématiques"
des abus des droits humains impliquant des entreprises, pour un
rapport à l'intention du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/737765

* Français :  Chine : Yahoo!, MSN signent un pacte officiel
d'autodiscipline qui encourage la surveillance & censure des blogs
- Reporters sans frontières dénonce le Pacte - Yahoo & MSN indiquent
qu'ils n'enregistreront pas les vrais noms des blogueurs
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/788754