Business & human rights: weekly update - December 24, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 24 Dec 2008

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=2008/12/24

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Business & Human Rights Resource Centre wishes you a happy 2009. The Weekly Update will not be published next Wednesday, 31 December, and will resume Wednesday, 7 January.*

"The Real Price of Gold" - National Geographic report on the human & environmental toll of gold mininghttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/728143*

Report of consultation on improving non-judicial remedies for corporate human rights impacts - held to inform mandate of UN Special Rep. John Ruggie (Nov 2008)http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/991050*

G4S signs global agreement with Union Network Intl. on labour rightshttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/428727*

Brazil: Human rights & environmental activists face death threats because of fight against loggers, farmers & cattle ranchers, says reporthttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/174744*

Google, YouTube to promote human rights in North Korea via internet broadcastinghttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/461395*

USA Today report finds many US schools are near major industrial plants - raises concerns over effects of gas emissions on children's health- refers to ExxonMobil, and includes company responsehttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/961218*

Italy: Médecins Sans Frontières highlights "appalling" living & working conditions of migrant fruit pickershttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/145148*

Nepal: Intl. Alert survey assesses role of business in mitigating future conflict & peacebuildinghttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/176679*

USA: Human rights groups object to Florida official's statement on frequency of slavery cases among migrant agricultural workers- with full comments by Mary Robinson, Larry Cox (Amnesty USA), letter by 65 NGOs, religious groups, scholars & authorshttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/855196*

Women's health initiative by Levi Strauss & Business for Social Responsibility expands to Egypthttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/533013*

UK: Landmark rulings strengthen gay rights in workplacehttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/752432*

Report of Ecumenical Council for Corp. Responsibility debate on migrant workers in the UK economy: "Rights & responsibilities"http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/469370*

So. Korea: Natl. Human Rights Commission accuses Korean Air of discrimination against men - firm rejects allegationhttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/870929*

"Human rights Corporate Accountability Guide: from law to norms to values" (John F. Sherman, III, formerly of National Grid; Chip Pitts of Stanford Law School)http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/142328*

ExxonMobil statement marking 60th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rightshttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/606073*

So. Africa: Mine fatalities down but union's concerns remain - new safety law passedhttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/133042*

UK Govt. issues statement confirming pension funds can take social, ethical and environmental considerations into account when investinghttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/503594*

Español: Argentina: Concejo de Quilmes declara emergencia ambiental por contaminación de Repsolhttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/153640*

Español: Paraguay: Ministerio de Salud solicita cierre o traslado de fábrica Chemtec debido a riesgos para la salud de pobladoreshttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/303053*

Español: México: ONG dice que minería en Chiapas amenaza la supervivencia de pueblos indígenashttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/188904*

Español: Argentina: Trabajadores del ajo denuncian trabajo infantil y explotación por parte de cooperativashttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/575275*

Español: Chile: Ambientalistas denuncian proyecto de Colbún para construir nueva represa en el Bío Bío por su "impacto ambiental, social y cultural"http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/687652*

Español: México: BID y CEMEX otorgarán 35.000 microcréditos a familias de bajos ingresos para pavimentar calleshttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/883576*

Español: Costa Rica: Profesores universitarios piden al gobierno moratoria a la actividad minerahttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/871395*

Français : Responsabilité du secteur privé dans le combat contre l'exploitation sexuelle des enfants à des fins commerciales - contribution d'ECPAT au Troisième Congrès Mondial Contre l'Exploitation Sexuelle des Enfants et des Adolescentshttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/156403*

Français : Programme de Cisco pour réduire les émissions des gaz à effet de serre des villeshttp://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/246856

ARCHIVE of past Weekly Updates / ARCHIVO de actualizaciones pasadas / ARCHIVE des Actualités hebdomadaires précédentes:http://www.business-humanrights.org/Aboutus/WeeklyUpdatesarchive

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - December 17, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 17 Dec 2008

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=2008/12/17

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* Dem. Rep. of Congo: UN expert group highlights links between the natural resources trade & conflict
- Global Witness calls for action
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/472200

* Self-regulation code of conduct for private military and security companies (PMSCs), by Nils Rosemann
- includes chart showing which PMSCs have publicly recognised intl. human rights standards
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/829958

* Shell video: "Shell & Human Rights" - with UN Special Rep. John Ruggie & Margaret Jungk of Danish Institute
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/985651

* Intl. Rivers report "Mountains of Concrete: Dam Building in the Himalayas" highlights environmental damage, human rights abuses
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/157590

* Turkey: "Inhuman" working conditions in shipbuilding industry - 17 workers died this year
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/464034

* How are the largest So. African companies responding to HIV/AIDS?
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/463117

* Business & Community Foundation (India) says 4-5 Dec Intl. Seminar on Business & Human Rights provided platform for companies that have abused human rights
- response by Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/181261

* Ceres ranks companies' climate strategies
- IBM, Tesco, Dell lead; travel & leisure, restaurant, real estate, retail sectors have low average scores
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/231702

* Angola: Abuses against artisanal diamond miners continue, Kimberley Process "is farce", says Rafael Marques
- Lev Leviev responds
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/227071

* USA: "Specter of slavery persists" in Florida tomato fields
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/897096

* Brazil: Supreme court upholds Amazon indigenous land rights over private farmers in key case
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/915065

* Colombia: Cerrejón announces agreement with displaced Tabaco community - company will pay over US $3.1 million
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/180737

* Global Network Initiative on internet censorship & freedom of expression: Anita Ramasastry comments on scope & limitations
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/649588

* Niger: Hundreds killed, thousands displaced in brewing conflict over uranium mining
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/497265

* Kenya: Companies launch programme for youth HIV prevention in partnership with US Govt.
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/764901

* Corporate Watchdog Radio interviews Annabel Short & Greg Regaignon of Business & Human Rights Resource Centre on 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/327419

* "How to identify forced labour in your supply chains" - workshop, 15 Jan, London
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/159410

* Español: Colombia: Indígenas U'wa piden a JP Morgan no comprar acciones de Ecopetrol por temores de impactos negativos de explotación petrolera
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/256552

* Español: "Gestión empresarial y derechos humanos" a los 60 años de la Declaración Universal
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/180726

* Español: Colombia: Cerrejón anuncia acuerdo con la comunidad de Tabaco, desplazada por la mina - pagará 7.000 millones de pesos
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/344284

* Español: Colombia: 1er. reporte de avances de compromisos sociales de Cerrejón en respuesta al Panel Independiente de Revisión
- incluye tabla de progreso
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/137639

* Español: Guatemala: Audiencia en la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos sobre derechos laborales de trabajadores agrícolas
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/800183

* Español: España: División de FCC firma plan de igualdad que cubre a 35,000 trabajadores e incluye prevención del acoso sexual
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/283715

* Français : Territoires palestiniens occupés : De plus en plus de multinationales retirent leurs investissements des colonies industrielles illégales
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/742267

* Français : Rép. Dém. du Congo : Financement des groupes armés par le commerce des minerais - Global Witness demande aux gouvernements d'agir en s'appuyant sur les conclusions du Groupe d'experts de l'ONU
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/321066

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Business & human rights: Weekly Update - December 10, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 10 Dec 2008

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=2008/12/10

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

On the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights we would like to recall this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, who was instrumental in drafting the Declaration:

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere."

* Initiatives on the 60th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):

- CEO statement in support of human rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/230940

- "Human Rights Translated": Practical guide for business by Castan Centre, IBLF, OHCHR, UN Global Compact
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/148785

- Amnesty Intl. Netherlands launches e-learning tool for business
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/979754

- Statement by Mary Robinson & Sir Mark Moody-Stuart
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/895362

- Arvind Ganesan, Human Rights Watch, calls for mandatory human rights regulations for companies
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/254361

- Intl. Chamber of Commerce hails 60th anniversary of UDHR
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/498662

- Global Reporting Initiative & others call for better corporate reporting on human rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/203872

- Over 230 companies worldwide have a human rights policy statement: Joint announcement by Mary Robinson/Realizing Rights, and Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/599606

- Dutch pension fund APG Investments supports appeal for companies to adopt human rights policies
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/249772

* Transcript: John Ruggie speaking at Carnegie Council, New York, 28 Oct
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/864565

* Audio & images: "Human rights and business: South Africa and beyond", London, 2 Dec
- Jody Kollapen, Chair of So. African Human Rights Commission
- regional updates by Resource Centre's researchers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/2Dec2008event

* Blackwater guards indicted in USA for Sep 2007 Baghdad shootings
- immunity for security contractors to end in Iraq
- summary profile of Blackwater lawsuits
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/214732

* Iraq: KBR's Kuwaiti subcontractor accused of confining migrant workers in windowless warehouses - companies respond
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/346743

* Bahrain: New centre to receive & handle workers' complaints
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/462611

* China: Guangdong factories squeezed as buyers push for improved labour rights but lower prices (Bloomberg)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/308672

* "Wal-Mart: A bully benefactor" (Fortune)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/948732

* Briefing: "Private Sector Accountability in Combating the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/133893

* USA: Wal-Mart worker trampled to death by stampeding sales shoppers
- lawsuit filed against Wal-Mart, mall, private security firm
- Time magazine article: "How to prevent a crowd crush"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/785914

* USA: Subway agrees to pay migrant tomato pickers penny more per pound - signs deal with Coalition of Immokalee Workers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/804623

* Allegations of child labour, health & safety abuses in surgical instruments produced in Pakistan and purchased by UK hospitals
- UK Natl. Health Service drafts guidelines on ethical purchasing
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/366648

* Indonesia: Lapindo Brantas says settlement reached with mud volcano victims
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/902543

* "Ethical leaders of 2008" (Ethical Corporation) include Barack Obama, Bill Gates, John Ruggie, heads of Confederation of British Industry, UN Principles for Responsible Investment, Global Witness
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/171503

* Job vacancy: Senior Programme Officer, Economy & Peacebuilding, Intl. Alert (London, deadline 19 Dec)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/603343

* Job vacancy: Assessment & Training Manager, UN Principles for Responsible Investment (London)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/279993

* Español: Líderes empresariales expresan su apoyo a los derechos humanos en el 60avo. aniversario de la Declaración Universal
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/420977

* Español: Argentina: Defensor del Pueblo se pronuncia contra terraplén que inunda casas - dice que empresa Hacienda San Eugenio y provincia ignoran sentencia del Tribunal Superior
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/140924

* Español: Costa Rica: Asesor ambiental del presidente recomienda prohibir la minería a cielo abierto
- Sala Constitucional estudia proyecto "Las Crucitas" de Industrias Infinito
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/256696

* Español: Honduras: ONG gana 98 casos de violación de derechos laborales - mayoría sobre guardias de seguridad
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/662477

* Español: Guatemala: Fotoreportaje sobre afectaciones de la mina Marlin (de Goldcorp) sobre la población
- Sitio web de la empresa: "Relaciones comunitarias y desarrollo en Guatemala" (en inglés)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/504449

* Español: Panamá: Gobierno aprueba estudio de impacto ambiental de Petaquilla Gold después de haberla sancionado por daños al ecosistema y desmejoramiento de la calidad de las aguas - ONG critica decisión
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/207814

* Español: Brasil: 6 empresas, incluyendo Petrobras, Aracruz y Copel, excluidas del BOVESPA sostenible
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/836692

* Español: Empleados de Roche marchan a favor de niños desfavorecidos - empresa duplicará la cifra recaudada
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/135787

* Español: Colombia: Después del escándalo de las pirámides, bancos se unen a iniciativa de microcréditos para pobres
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/878698

* Français : Maroc : Citi Maghreb récompense 12 microentrepreneurs luttant contre la pauvreté
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/895223

* Français : Inculpation aux États-Unis de cinq agents de Blackwater impliqués dans la mort de 17 irakiens
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/124915

* Français : Indonésie : Lapindo s'engage à verser une compensation pour les victimes d'un volcan de boue
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/818775

* Français : Madagascar : Des entreprises s'unissent pour lutter contre le VIH/SIDA
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/929999

ARCHIVE of past Weekly Updates / ARCHIVO de actualizaciones pasadas / ARCHIVE des Actualités hebdomadaires précédentes:
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Business & human rights: Weekly Update - December 3, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

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=2008/12/03

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* World AIDS Day: Steps companies are taking to address the crisis
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/WorldAIDSDay2008

* Indonesia: ILO study finds many companies discriminate against people with AIDS
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/303809

* Caritas calls for pharmaceutical firms to develop affordable AIDS drugs specifically for children
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/396320

* Aspen Institute report on HIV/AIDS teaching in business schools
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/803544

* Keith Slack of Oxfam America says companies should seek community consent, not just social license
- Article mentions Shell in Philippines - community consent efforts may have saved $72 million in avoided project delays
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/652166

* Reminder: Intl. Seminar on Business & Human Rights, Paris, 4-5 December
- Speakers include Irene Khan, Jody Kollapen, Mary Robinson, John Ruggie
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/157529

* Jury clears Chevron in trial in USA over alleged complicity with shootings in Nigeria - plaintiffs say they will appeal
- Analysis by Anthony Sebok, Cardozo Law School
- Summary profile of lawsuit by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/461423

* Ecuador: New proposal to protect rainforest, indigenous people from oil exploitation by selling carbon credits to companies
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/299581

* Health officials from 160 countries adopt guidelines limiting tobacco industry influence on govts.
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/911633

* Unilever divests from factory in Israeli settlement in West Bank
- Dutch NGOs including Oxfam Novib, Pax Christi, welcome move
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/963533

* Ecuador: Court environmental expert raises estimate of Chevron's potential liability by $11 billion
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/560930

* Español: Ecuador: Perito judicial eleva cálculo de daños en demanda ambiental y de salud contra Texaco/Chevron a 27.000 millones de dólares
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/284755

* Español: México: Proponen en el Congreso veda de productos chinos por razones humanitarias
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/338314

* Español: Ecuador: Nueva propuesta busca evitar explotación de petróleo y promover desarrollo social a través de certificados de carbono
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/440997

* Español: MTV Latinoamérica promueve campaña multimedia en observación al Día Mundial del Sida
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/757628

* Français : Chevron acquitté de complicité d'atteinte aux droits de l'homme au Nigeria
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/130669

* Français : Rappel : Séminaire International Entreprises et Droits de l'Homme, 4-5 décembre à Paris
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/572910

* Français : Journée de lutte contre le sida : groupes touristiques Accor, Air France, Club Med se mobilisent au Sénégal
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/233596

ARCHIVE of past Weekly Updates / ARCHIVO de actualizaciones pasadas / ARCHIVE des Actualités hebdomadaires précédentes:
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Mining, Oil Resources, Free Trade, and Human Rights in Colombia

You are invited to a public talk on:

Mining, Oil Resources, Free Trade, and
Human Rights in Colombia

Tuesday, December 2, 2008
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Policy Room 7000
SFU Harbour Centre
515 W. Hastings
Vancouver
OPEN TO ALL

AI Canada: Canada-Colombia trade deal presents serious human rights concerns

Press release from Amnesty International (Canada):

On 21 November 2008, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe signed a free trade agreement. If the agreement receives the necessary domestic approval in both countries it will then enter into force sixty days later.

Amnesty International and Canadian Council for International Co-operation are deeply concerned that the free trade agreement between Canada and Colombia has been signed without regard for the widespread and very serious human rights violations that continue to be the daily reality in Colombia.

Most recently, these have included:

• Use of excessive force by state security forces against a mobilization of Indigenous people expressing opposition to free trade agreements and other policies they believe impact negatively on their rights.
  
• Threats and attacks against land rights activists, particularly in areas of economic interest.
  
• Increase this year in threats and attacks on trade unionists; more than 40 have been killed so far this year.
  
• Increase in extrajudicial executions by state security forces of civilians, later presented as guerrillas killed in combat.
  
• Repeated public statements by President Uribe and other senior officials demonizing trade unions (such as striking sugar workers), Indigenous organizations and other groups that are speaking out about violations of human rights, suggesting links with guerrillas. Such statements have led to threats and violence, including killings. Following the release of critical reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch in October, President Uribe publicly accused AI of "fanaticism" and "dogmatism" and the Americas Director of Human Rights Watch of being a "supporter" and an "accomplice" of FARC guerrillas. President Uribe has also demonized members of the Supreme Court investigating links between politicians from the ruling coalition and paramilitaries.
  
• Ongoing and extensive links between state security forces and paramilitary death squads which continue to operate despite government claims to ave successfully demobilized them.
  
• Ongoing failure to bring the perpetrators of human rights violations to justice; despite several high profile prosecutions, justice remains the exception and impunity the norm, giving a green light to those who abuse human rights.

Going ahead with the Canada Colombia free trade deal without meaningful action to address these concerns risks making the human rights situation much worse.

Earlier this year in a study of the proposed Canada/Colombia trade deal, the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade called on the government to ensure that an independent human rights impact assessment be carried out and that the results of that assessment be dealt with before the free trade deal is signed, ratified or implemented.

Amnesty International and Canadian Council for International Co-operation are gravely concerned that Prime Minister Harper has ignored this recommendation and decided to proceed without due diligence with regard to human rights. It is vital that the Government of Canada proceed no further towards implementation until an independent human rights impact assessment is carried out and the resulting concerns addressed.

Representatives of our organizations are available to offer an assessment of the human rights situation in Colombia, and to highlight our very serious concerns about moving ahead with the free trade agreement at this time.

******************************************

For more information, please contact:

Beth Berton-Hunter
Media Relations, Amnesty International Canada
416-363-9933 ext. 32

Katia Gianneschi
Media Relations, Canadian Council for International Co-operation
613-241-7007 ext. 311

Film Review -- Los Caidos (The Fallen)

Los Caidos (The Fallen)
Rudy Joffroy
Mexico
85 minutes

This film uses powerful narrative and visual accounts to explore the explosion of the Pasta de Conchos coal mine in Mexico on February 19, 2006, which resulted in the deaths of 65 miners.

It also exposes the severe mistreatment of miners and indifference to security concerns by the company, Grupo Mexico, and the government. It turns out that miners had complained about a gas leak prior to the explosion.

The corruption of Mexican authorities is widespread. The viewer is witness to the denial of the Vincente Fox government that any fault was to be laid regarding the mine explosion. There is also the supplanting of a legitimately elected union leader with an imposed government puppet. Mayhem culminates in a 152-day strike and occupation of a steel mill. The subsequent eviction results in two dead and 120 injured at the hands of police.

One desperately poor worker explains the pressure that is put on him to work. Before the explosion, when he expressed concern to his employers about safety issues, they said he could put up with these poor conditions or leave. For economic survival, he had no choice; he must work.

The conclusion of the film, marking the hundred-year anniversary of a mine explosion in 1906, epitomizes how little has changed over the course of a century in terms of the treatment and protection of miners.

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - November 26, 2008

From the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre:

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=2008/11/26

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* [PDF] Reminder, London 2 Dec: Jody Kollapen, Chair of South African Human Rights Commission, to speak on business & human rights
http://www.reports-and-materials.org/2-Dec-2008.pdf

* PBS report: "Indian Farmers, Coca-Cola Vie for Scarce Water Supply" (video & transcript)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/314046

* Chatham House Intl. Law Discussion Group: "Business and Human Rights: Closing the Gaps"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/469959

* Dem. Rep. of Congo: Audio & slideshow - the working conditions of Fidele Musaviri, a coltan & cassiterite miner
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/900686

* Chinese companies & climate change: Carbon Disclosure Project results & CSR Asia commentary
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/236129

* Electronics industry convenes to address worker rights, environmental & community impacts - SOMO report provides guidance
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/166465

* USA: Jury retires to consider lawsuit against Chevron alleging involvement in killing of protestors in Nigeria
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/184085

* India's ship-breaking industry: Open letter from NGO network to India's environment secretary highlights continuing health problems
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/716612

* Commentary by Robert Senser on the work of UN Special Representative John Ruggie
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/368213

* Macedonia: Govt. requires OKTA oil refinery to monitor pollution following protests over health impacts
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/879267

* Equatorial Guinea: UN Special Rapporteur calls on oil firms to avoid abetting rights abuses
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/203526

* Burmese workers left adrift for months on fishing fleet without food, water - Thai court awards 4.9 million baht to survivors
- NGOs call for compensation for families of 39 workers who died
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/536411

* ITUC (Intl. Trade Union Confederation) survey of trade union rights violations worldwide - 91 trade unionists killed in 2007
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/318893

* India: New network helps co-ordinate corporate contributions to disaster relief
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/417069

* Gulf states: Bahraini newspaper editor says unskilled foreign workers living in conditions "unacceptable to cats and dogs" - calls for action
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/158544

* Human rights shareholder resolution at Cisco: Commentary
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/324151

* Economist Intelligence Unit on how improved social, environmental conduct can be profitable
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/103729

* Español: América Latina: 40 organizaciones sociales se reunen in Honduras para debatir mejoras para trabajadores del sector textil
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/346544

* Español: Informe Anual de la CSI (Confederación Sindical Internacional) - ataques contra los sindicatos se cobraron 91 vidas en 2007
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/791611

* Español: La UE creará una red de empresas comprometidas con la igualdad entre hombres y mujeres
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/639356

* Français : Rapport annuel de la CSI (Confédération Syndicale International) sur des violations des droits syndicaux - 91 syndicalistes assassinés en 2007
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/590039

* Français : Niger : Controverse autour des retombées de l'or exploité par la Société des mines du Liptako
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/729508

* Français : Enquête de Vigeo sur la prise en compte volontaire des instruments internationaux par les entreprises européennes
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/300497

* Français : Une Compagnie aérienne du Costa-Rica, NatureAir, est la première à avoir « zéro » émissions de carbone, selon le PNUE
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/116512

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Business & human rights: Weekly Update - November 19, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 19 Nov 2008

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=2008/11/19

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* Blueprint for the next US administration: "How to end impunity for private security and other contractors" (Human Rights First)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/135528

* Iraqi Cabinet approves security pact covering jurisdiction over US contractors - awaits final vote by Parliament
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/366761

* Tanzania: Report says tax evasion by mining companies leading to negative social impacts
- Responses by AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/608500

* Yahoo! sponsors museum in USA documenting forced labour camps in China
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/910041

* ILO launches practical handbook for companies on combating forced labour
- Case studies include: Automobile industry & pig iron in Brazil; electronics in China; textiles in Jordan; agriculture in USA
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/789655

* Dem. Rep. of Congo: Conflict fuelled by tin mining (New York Times)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/738307

* "Citizen Nike" - Fortune reviews Nike's efforts to improve its labour conduct
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/712917

* Latin America: Partnership between Merck, UN, WHO & govts. makes progress toward stopping transmission of river blindness
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/613358

* US prosecutors draft indictment against Blackwater guards over Sep 2007 Baghdad killings
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/225644

* Burma: "Business ventures start with military"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/810969

* Observer good companies guide assesses FTSE 350, lists top & bottom 20, says "ethics still matter in hard times"
- Includes ranking of mining companies
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/776166

* Macedonia: Town sues national govt. over 30 years of pollution by smelter
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/246745

* CSR Asia ranks 20 firms from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, on disclosure of human rights, environmental & other indicators
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/863898

* Jordan: Intl. Trade Union Confederation alleges serious abuses of workers' rights - criticises conditions in export processing zones
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/775396

* Open debate: "Migrant workers in the economy: Rights and responsibilities" (London, 20 Nov)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/947374

* Job vacancy: Interim Director, Global Network Initiative on human rights in information & communications technology sector (Washington, DC)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/129456

* Español: El Salvador: Pobladores preparan demanda contra LaGeo y Enel por "intoxicación masiva"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/870539

* Español: Panamá: Sindicatos denuncian a empresas de seguridad que "no cumplen con normas laborales y de seguridad" - 21 guardias han sido asesinados
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/320212

* Español: UNI Américas lanza campaña a favor de derechos laborales de guardias de seguridad en Paraguay, Chile y Panamá
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/681384

* Español: Grupo Cortefiel veta a 14 proveedores por no cumplir requisitos de "respeto a los derechos humanos, seguridad y salud"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/538530

* Español: México: 500 trabajadores de PEMEX alegan que fueron despedidos por intentar formar sindicato separado
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/612468

* Español: OIT elabora un manual dirigido a empresas para combatir el trabajo forzado
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/678367

* Español: Argentina: Banco Provincia inicia la primera banca de microcréditos
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/743878

* Français : Afrique du Sud : 23 travailleurs dans la sylviculture morts dans un accident de la route - Syndicats appellent à un changement législatif pour sécuriser le transport sur les lieux de travail
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/487005

* Français : Novethic : "Tata Motors, entre citoyenneté et paternalisme"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/169340

* Français : L'OIT publie un manuel pour aider les entreprises à lutter contre le travail forcé
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/909261

* Français : Les Amis de la Terre saluent l'adoption par Dexia de la première politique sectorielle énergétique d'une banque de financement française
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/386977

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Business & human rights: Weekly Update - November 12, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 12 Nov 2008

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=2008/11/12

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* Special event in London, 2 Dec: Jody Kollapen, Chair, South African Human Rights Commission, on "Human rights and business: South Africa and beyond"
- Hosted by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - RSVP if you would like to attend
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/334990

* London Mining Network says BHP Billiton failed to respond to social & environmental concerns at annual meeting - cases from Philippines, Indonesia, Guatemala, Colombia
- BHP Billiton response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/104070

* Philippines: CAFOD report on impact of proposed BHP Billiton, AMCOR project on local livelihoods & environment
- BHP Billiton response
- We have tried to contact AMCOR - we will indicate in a future Update if it responds
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/96905

* 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration: Human rights initiatives by BASF, Barloworld, Novartis, Ketchum, Titan
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/362055

* Guatemala: Rights Action says human rights impact assessment for Goldcorp is "pre-determined"
- Response by Intl. Alert, peer reviewer of the impact assessment
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/773995

* IFC, IBLF, UN Global Compact launch process for companies to integrate human rights into social & environmental impact assessments
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/815321

* "Following The Trail Of Toxic E-Waste" from US to China - refers to Executive Recycling
- Executive Recycling response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/528871

* NGO says Chiquita's political connections in Colombia & USA contribute to stalling of case against firm for payments to paramilitaries
- Chiquita sent a 2007 statement on the paramilitary payments in response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/938143

* Philippines: Dole Foods supports communities with health, education, environment programmes (US Department of State report)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/358575

* Call for So. Korean companies operating in Vietnam to improve their labour rights conduct
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/362899

* Nigerians file suit against Shell in Dutch court; allege company was negligent in cleaning up oil spills
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/343244

* Chile: Barrick Gold announces partnership with 3 NGOs to address poverty in Atacama region
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/282089

* Jamaica: NGO coalition urges ban on companies' HIV/AIDS tests of potential workers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/418345

* NGO report on UK National Contact Point for OECD Guidelines calls for stronger regulation of companies operating abroad
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/335416

* FairPensions survey of 30 UK asset management firms concludes there is insufficient concern for environmental & social factors
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/823530

* "International Labor Migration: A Responsible Role for Business" - report by Business for Social Responsibility
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/794084

* US court says Bhopal water pollution claims against Union Carbide can proceed
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/307487

* New lawsuit summary profiles: Occidental re alleged complicity with human rights abuses by Colombian Govt.; Coca-Cola re alleged racial discrimination in USA
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/Profiles-12Nov2008

* Call for papers: "Accountability in a Global Economy", Business Ethics Quarterly - due 1 Dec
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/882583

* Job vacancy: Policy research assistant, Bretton Woods Project & UK Aid Network (London, deadline 24 Nov)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/869726

* Español: Paraguay: ONG denuncia que destrucción de bosque por parte de empresa brasilera Yaguarete Pora podría causar extinción de indígenas aislados
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/996141

* Español: Colombia: ONG sostiene que "impunidad" de Chiquita en caso de pagos a paramilitares se debe al tráfico de influencias
- Respuesta de Chiquita (en inglés)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/631478

* Español: Chile: Barrick Gold anuncia alianza con 3 ONGs para reducir la pobreza en la zona de Atacama
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/492315

* Español: Ecuador: 2 muertos en empresa Incasa es ejemplo de faltas en medidas de seguridad en fábricas de Quito
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/354493

* Español: España: Presentan Centro de Información del Comportamiento Empresarial (CICE) - "denunciará" comportamientos "irresponsables" de empresas españolas
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/301519

* Español: México: Agencia ambiental de Tamaulipas presiona a maquiladora Nieng Sing para que deje de contaminar
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/804700

* Español: BBVA negará créditos a las empresas que contaminen mucho
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/146206

* Español: Ecuador: Comunidades indígenas y campesinas piden a Canadá no emprender proyectos mineros a gran escala
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/739495

* Español: Brasil: Movimientos sociales y ambientales organizan protesta contra conferencia oficial sobre biocombustibles, alegando que éstos "obstaculizan" la soberanía alimentaria y energética
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/611056

* Français : Confédération générale des entreprises du Maroc : Label pour la responsabilité sociale
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/394497

* Français : République du Congo: L'OMS lance un appel au secteur privé pour l'amélioration de la situation sanitaire du pays
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/889754

* Français : Guinée : Certaines sociétés minières mettent en place des programmes VIH/SIDA - plaident pour un partenariat public-privé
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/331242

* Français : Réouverture du procès contre Union Carbide aux États-Unis pour la pollution des eaux au Bhopal
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/511378

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New web portal profiles human rights lawsuits against companies

Press Release from the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

PRESS RELEASE

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre launches world’s first online portal

profiling human rights lawsuits against companies:

www.business- humanrights. org/LegalPortal

London, 29 Oct - Today the non-profit Business & Human Rights Resource Centre launched a free online portal – the first to bring together and demystify lawsuits from across the world alleging human rights abuses by companies. The portal summarises in non-legal language over 35 cases and the positions of each side, with more cases to be added soon. It also presents special commentaries by experts.

Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland, said: “The Resource Centre’s portal is a unique tool for advocates, victims of abuses, NGOs, business people and others.”

CASES PROFILED include:

• AngloGold Ashanti: sued in South Africa over miners suffering from silicosis

• BHP Billiton: sued in Australia and Papua New Guinea over pollution by its mine in Papua New Guinea

• Chevron/Texaco: sued in Ecuador, alleging extensive pollution damaging environment and health

• Dow/Union Carbide: sued in India and US following the industrial disaster in Bhopal

• ExxonMobil: sued in US over alleged complicity in abuses by Indonesian security forces in Aceh

• Severstal: sued in Russia for severe pollution by its steel plant; government failed to provide the court-ordered relief; local residents took Russian Government to European Court of Human Rights and won

• Shell: sued in US over alleged complicity in killings of Ken Saro-Wiwa and 8 other Ogoni activists in Nigeria

• Trafigura: legal action in UK, France, Netherlands & Côte d’Ivoire regarding dumping of toxic waste in Côte d’Ivoire, allegedly leading to 17 deaths and the illness of hundreds

• Yahoo!: sued in US for handing information to Chinese officials; led to detention & alleged torture of dissidents

Most of these cases are pending; some are finished or settled – the profiles indicate the current status of each. Companies in other profiled lawsuits include: Barclays, Biwater, Blackwater, BP, Cambior, Cape PLC, Chiquita, Coca-Cola, Daimler, Deutsche Bank, Drummond, DynCorp, Firestone, Ford, Freeport-McMoRan, IBM, Mitsubishi, Nike, Occidental, Rio Tinto, Standard Chartered, Talisman, Total, UBS, Wal-Mart.

COMMENTARIES: The portal includes brief, personal commentaries about corporate legal accountability for human rights – citing progress made in various countries, and challenges that remain. The commentaries were specially written for the portal by leading practitioners and experts – including some who have brought lawsuits against companies, and others whose clients are companies.

• Michael Smyth, Head of Public Policy at Clifford Chance (UK), remarks in his commentary: “There was a time when business lawyers did not need to know a great deal about human rights law. That is no longer the case…This is now a key boardroom issue…Businesses can sustain major reputational damage where they are associated with infringements of human rights.”

• Terry Collingsworth, a lawyer who has sued multinationals in US courts alleging their involvement in human rights abuses overseas, comments: “With a few positive examples of using the Alien Tort Claims Act to hold companies accountable for human rights violations in the global economy…other companies will be deterred from violating human rights out of a fear of substantial legal liability.”

Other commentaries are written by:

• Mary Robinson, President, Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative

• Argentina: Rodolfo Yanzon, Argentinean Human Rights League Foundation

• Denmark: Sune Thorsen, lawyer, Global CSR

• Hong Kong: Geoffrey Crothall, China Labour Bulletin

• Mexico: Astrid Puentes, Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense

• Netherlands: Law professor Menno Kamminga, Maastricht University

• Norway: Legal expert Mark Taylor, Fafo

• South Africa: South African Human Rights Commission. Lawyer Charles Abrahams.

• Switzerland: Carlos Lopez, International Commission of Jurists

• UK: Lawyer Martyn Day, Leigh Day

• USA: Lawyers involved in lawsuits against companies, including Jennifer Green, Michael Hausfeld, Paul Hoffman. Law professors Anita Ramasastry and Beth Stephens.

When asked why this portal was developed, Christopher Avery, Director of the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, explained: “These precedent-setting cases are so important that they need to be understood not only by legal insiders. We developed this portal because victims, human rights advocates, business people, journalists, shareholders, lawyers, law professors and others told us that they wanted accessible information about these lawsuits. As for the commentaries, they provide remarkable insight into the thinking of leading experts, many of whom have worked on the profiled cases.”

To find the portal, go to: www.business- humanrights. org/LegalPortal. The portal is also accessible from the Resource Centre’s homepage.

Our Corporate Legal Accountability Project is made possible by a grant from JEHT Foundation.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre tracks the human rights impacts (positive & negative) of 4000 companies in over 180 countries. Issues include discrimination, labour rights, security & conflict zones, killings, torture, displacement, environmental abuses affecting human health, access to medicines, poverty and development. The site is updated hourly and receives 1.5 million hits per month. Our researchers, 7 of whom are lawyers or legally-trained, are based in Hong Kong, India, South Africa, UK, Ukraine and USA – soon also Senegal. Mary Robinson chairs our 80-member International Advisory Network. Our 20 Academic Partners include leading institutes associated with law schools in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America. For further information about the Resource Centre, see the “About us” section of our site: http://www.business -humanrights. org/Aboutus

SUPPORT THE RESOURCE CENTRE: Please consider making an online donation to help us continue to provide these resources for free:

http://www.business -humanrights. org/Aboutus/ Makeadonation

For additional information, please see www.business- humanrights. org or contact Resource Centre staff responsible for the portal:

UK: Sif Thorgeirsson

Manager, Corporate Legal Accountability Project

thorgeirsson@ business- humanrights. org

mobile: +44 774 705 3682

USA: Greg Regaignon

Head of Research

regaignon@business- humanrights. org

tel: +1 909 626 0260

or contact the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre office in London:

contact@business- humanrights. org

tel: +44 20 7636 7774

The Resource Centre thanks its present and past legal interns who assisted our staff with preparation of the case profiles: Sandra Cossart (France), Amila Jayamaha (Sri Lanka), Kellie Johnston (Canada), Danielle McMullan (UK), Silvia Nicolaou García (Spain), Christopher Pogue (USA), Xue Yang (China).

ENDS

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - October 29, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 29 Oct 2008

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=2008/10/29

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* Statement by UN Special Representative John Ruggie to UN General Assembly on his renewed mandate
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/389450

* Business & Human Rights Resource Centre launches Corporate Legal Accountability Portal
- profiles lawsuits against companies alleging human rights abuses
- portal: http://www.business-humanrights.org/LegalPortal
- press release:
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/559552

* Coalition of human rights NGOs, Internet firms including Google, Microsoft, Yahoo! & others launches principles on govt. censorship & threats to privacy
- also provided: text of principles, implementation guidelines, accountability framework
- Reporters Without Borders says principles do not go far enough to protect freedom of expression
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/174147

* Wal-Mart tells its Chinese suppliers to meet strict environmental & social standards
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/627390

* Botswana: Survival Intl. says De Beers returns to mine Central Kalahari Game Reserve while Bushmen are still displaced
- De Beers' response (23 Oct)
- De Beers announces withdrawal from reserve (29 Oct)
- We are inviting Gem Diamonds to respond & will indicate in a future Update whether it does
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/261767

* US Govt. begins enforcement of new import ban on Burmese gems - Human Rights Watch urges support for ban
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/169850

* Oxfam Australia says Philippines mine bankrolled by ANZ destroys local people's livelihoods
- ANZ response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/626662

* China: Rejoinder to Ole Wolff from trade union on alleged labour rights abuses (further to our 24 Sep Update)
- New Ole Wolff response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/OleWolffallegationsresponses

* Global Witness & Partnership Africa Canada identify "loupe holes in the Kimberley Process - gateway for conflict diamonds"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/667641

* UK: NGO says Scottish Register Office (GROS) contract with CACI ignores company's involvement in Abu Ghraib
- GROS defends decision to award census contract to CACI
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/112656

* Signatories of UN Principles for Responsible Investment representing $4.4 trillion in assets urge 9000 CEOs to commit their companies to UN Global Compact
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/469908

* Liberia: ArcelorMittal may struggle to manage local expectations over community development despite huge investment (commentary by Critical Resource)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/608197

* Uzbekistan: Despite boycott by US & European retailers over child labour concerns, cotton sales increase
- Retailers boycott Bangladeshi garments made of Uzbek cotton
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/971618

* Job announcements: 2 Project Managers, Ethical Trading Initiative (London, deadline 17 Nov)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/574438

* Español: México: Campesinos del Istmo de Tehuantepec preparan demanda contra Endesa por "engaños y despojos"; otros protestan contra Iberdrola
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/319810

* Español: Colombia: Horno de gas construido por empresas y gobierno ayudará a erradicar trabajo infantil en Boyacá
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/741527

* Español: Perú: Rio Tinto dice suspende construcción planta por protestas sociales en Chiclayo
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/188496

* Español: Colombia: Protestas sociales por malas condiciones laborales en ingenios de azúcar
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/669985

* Français : Côte d'Ivoire : 7 acquittements, 2 condamnations dans le procès du Probo Koala
- ONGs regrettent « l'absence des principaux responsables - les dirigeants de Trafigura et de sa filiale ivoirienne »
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/397628

* Français : Le Processus de Kimberley laisse une porte ouverte pour les diamants de guerre, selon Global Witness & Partenariat Afrique Canada
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/544631

* Français : Iraq : Nokia et l'UNICEF s'unissent pour reconstruire des écoles
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/323532

* Français : Réponse de Disney en français au rapport de Peuples Solidaires sur les conditions de travail chez les fabricants des produits Disney (suite à notre Actualité Hebdomadaire du 22 octobre)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/291388

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