Business & human rights: Weekly Update - August 6, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 6 Aug 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=2008/08/06

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* Amnesty Intl. submission to John Ruggie on his 2008 report
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/942767

* Dem. Rep. of Congo: DanWatch report alleges mobile phones linked to metal mining abuses
- Responses by Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Umicore
- Motorola has said that it will respond; we will include its response in a future Update
- We invited LG, LG Chem to respond; they have not yet done so
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/DanWatchAug2008

* National Labor Committee alleges abuses at Hoida factory in Shenzhen, China, producing "Ernie" toys
- Responses by Hoida factory, K'NEX, Hasbro
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/NLCErnieJuly2008

* AIDS Healthcare Foundation commends Merck over price cuts on 2 key AIDS drugs in Mexico
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/889020

* Congo: Greenpeace report "Conning the Congo" says logging firm Danzer evades taxes, exacerbating poverty
- Danzer response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/603080

* Internet firms closer to agreeing code of conduct on freedom of expression & privacy
- Letters from Google, Microsoft, Yahoo! to 2 US Senators who sought update on progress prior to Beijing Olympics
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/113896

* Chevron responds to Newsweek article on lobbying US Govt. to cut Ecuador trade preferences over toxic waste lawsuit (further to last week's Update)
- Statement by EarthRights Intl.
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/792992

* Intl. Alert issues performance indicators to help companies implement Voluntary Principles on Security & Human Rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/246161

* Honduras: Concerns that "sustainable" tourism project in Tela may harm local ethnic group, environment
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/778976

* China: Farmer & son die in clash with Mengma Rubber in Yunnan Province (background on the dispute provided)
- We invited Mengma Rubber to respond. If we receive a response we will include it in a future Update.
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/250491

* Guatemala: Indigenous farmers protest against displacement, environmental damage by sugar ethanol companies
- Alleged violent repression of protestors by security agents working for Ingenio Guadalupe
- We invited Ingenio Guadalupe to respond. If we receive a response we will include it in a future Update.
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/325173

* USA: Wal-Mart allegedly issued warnings to store managers that Democrat election victory would lead to more unionisation
- Wal-Mart denies telling employees how to vote
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/726517

* Summary of meeting on UN Special Representative John Ruggie's framework, hosted by Global Witness, British Institute of Intl. and Comparative Law, May 2008
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/491725

* USA: Wachovia prize on innovative finance for the poor; 10 finalists chosen
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/208194

* Nigeria: World Bank admits W. African gas pipeline (joint venture of Chevron, Shell & other firms) displaced poor residents without adequate compensation
- Critics welcome report but say it should go further
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/877013

* China Industrial Bank given green award by NGOs - bank withdraws loans if companies flout environmental criteria
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/309790

* Coca-Cola says two-thirds of China suppliers not compliant with its policies on workers' rights & environment
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/746291

* USA: Abbott settles lawsuit over price of AIDS drug
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/460876

* Malaysia: Nike investigation confirms worker abuse at supplier factory - Nike says will increase monitoring
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/804362

* Ghana: Survey shows companies lagging on workplace HIV/AIDS policies - managers likely to dismiss employees with HIV
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/667123

* Español: Ecuador: Cabildeo de Chevron pide a EE.UU. no renovar preferencias arancelarias con Ecuador si procede la demanda en su contra (Newsweek)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/380982

* Español: México: Merck reduce el precio de medicamentos contra el SIDA - ONG elogia a la empresa
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/380646

* Español: Honduras: Fotoreportaje sobre resistencia del pueblo Garífuna a mega-proyecto turístico en sus tierras
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/785059

* Español: México: Joven denuncia que al menos 4 empresas le han negado empleo por ser portador de VIH
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/943521

* Español: México: Compañías miembro del Consejo Nacional Empresarial sobre Sida toman medidas contra la discriminación por VIH-Sida
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/526751

* Français : Rép. Dém. du Congo: Des ONGs s'inquiètent du manque de transparence dans la renégociation des contrats miniers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/347346

* Français : Niger: Des ONG exigent la transparence sur contrat pétrolier avec la société chinoise CNPC
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/629134

* Français : Microsoft, Google, Yahoo! et d'autres en train de finaliser une code sur la libre expression et la protection de la confidentialité
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/800141

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