Thursday, September 25, 2008

Amnesty International urgent action: death threats in Colombia

From the AI Canada website:

On 18 September, the Oil Workers’ Trade Union (Unión Sindical Obrera de la Industria del Petróleo, USO) received a death threat via e-mail from a paramilitary group called The Carlos Castaño is Still Alive Eagles, (Águilas Carlos Castaño Vive, CCV). The death threat warned, “We are reminding you about the death sentences for those son of a bitch guerrillas who still continue screwing around” (les recuerda las sentencias de muerte a los querilleros (sic.) HP que aun continuan jodiendo).

The email goes on to accuse the six men of making up the political wing of the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional, ELN). It also informs them that they will “all fall little by little which they deserve for being guerrillas” (todos caeran poco a poco comoe se lo merecen por querilleros (sic.)).

In addition to the four members of USO, Domingo Tovar from the Trade Union Congress (Central Unitaria de Trabajadores, CUT) was threatened and the CUT was labelled “the birthplace of terrorists” (cuna de terroristas). Lenin Fernández, a student leader in the Department of Cesar was also “sentenced to death” (sentenciado a muerte).

On 9 September, two funeral wreaths were sent to USO’s offices in Cartagena, which is located on the Northern coast of Colombia in the Department of Bolívar. The wreaths were sent with messages of condolence for Rodolfo Vecino Acevedo who was in the city of Cartagena at the time. Sometime later, two different funeral parlours telephoned USO’s offices asking for their address because they had more funeral wreaths to send, supposedly at the request of an unidentified female caller. In December 2007, a similar funeral wreath and ‘message of condolence’ naming Rodolfo Vecino Acevedo had been sent to USO’s offices in Barrancamermeja, Department of Santander.

On 1 September, the offices of USO in Cartagena received a telephone call asking for Rodolfo Vecino Acevedo and Rafael Cabarcas. The caller warned that, “they knew that this pair of sons of bitches were in the city and they wanted to kill them” (que si sabían que estaban en esa ciudad el par de hijos de putas esos y que tenían ganas de matarlos).

Violence against trade unionists and other critics of government policy is of particular concern in Canada at the moment. This is because Canada recently negotiated a free trade agreement with Colombia, which awaits ratification and implementation amidst concerns over the potential human rights impacts (for more on this issue, click here).

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Spanish or your own language: [click here for a brief guide to help you write your letter]:

  • urging the authorities to guarantee the safety of Rodolfo Vecino Acevedo, Rafael Cabarcas, Nelsón Berrio, Hernando Hernández and other members of USO as well as Domingo Tovar and Lenin Fernández, using all measures deemed appropriate by those at risk;
  • calling on the authorities to order a full and impartial investigation into the threats, the results of which should be made public and those responsible brought to justice;
  • calling for decisive action to confront and dismantle paramilitary groups and investigate and break their links with the security forces, in line with repeated UN recommendations;
  • calling on the authorities to produce policy and plans, in conjunction with human rights defenders, to guarantee their safety according to the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights and Responsibilities of Individuals, Groups and Institutions to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and to make these plans public.
PLEASE SEND AN APPEAL MESSAGE TO:

Señor Presidente Álvaro Uribe Vélez
Presidente de la República
Palacio de Nariño, Carrera 8 No.7-2
Bogotá, Colombia
Fax: 011 57 1 337 5890
Salutation: Dear President Uribe / Excmo. Sr. Presidente Uribe

Attorney General:

Dr. Mario Germán Iguarán Arana
Fiscal General de la Nación, Fiscalía General de la Nación
Diagonal 22B (Av. Luis Carlos Galán No. 52-01) Bloque C, Piso 4
Bogotá, Colombia
Email: mario.iguaran@fiscalia.gov.co
Fax: 011 57 1 570 2000 (a message in Spanish will ask you to enter extension 2017)
Salutation: Dear Mr Iguarán / Estimado Sr. Fiscal

PLEASE SEND A COPY OF YOUR MESSAGE TO:

His Excellency Jaime Giron Duarte, Ambassador for Colombia
360 Albert Street, Suite 1002
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X7
Email: embajada@embajadacolombia.ca
Fax: 1 613 230-4416

Hon. David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa ON K1A 0A6
Email: Emerson.D@parl.gc.ca
Fax: 1 613 943-0219

MAKE SURE YOU ALSO SIGN OUR E-PETITION ON BEHALF OF TRADE UNIONISTS AT RISK IN COLOMBIA.

BACKGROUND

During Colombia’s 40-year armed conflict, human rights organizations, trade unions and other social organizations have often been labelled as guerrilla collaborators or supporters by the security forces and paramilitaries. As a result they often suffer threats, enforced disappearance or killings. Guerrilla groups have also threatened or killed human rights defenders they consider to be siding with the enemy.

On 18 June, USO and five other organizations working in Barrancabermeja received a written death threat signed by the paramilitary group, the United Black Eagles of Colombia (Águilas Negras Unidas de Colombia). After participating in the May Day marches on 1 May, Rodolfo Vecino Acevedo and Rafael Cabarcas were followed by unknown men to the place where they were staying.

On 31 August 2007, Rodolfo Vecino Acevedo was the victim of a death threat sent via e-mail by a paramilitary group called The United Black Eagles of Colombia (Águilas Negras Unidas de Colombia) which warned him that he would “leave behind a widow and four children” (vas a dejar a una viuda y cuatro hijos). He had previously received threats from the paramilitary group, the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia, AUC) in 2005. In November 2006 the bullet-proof car he normally used was shot at by gunmen travelling on two motorcycles. Rodolfo Vecino’s wife, acquaintance and bodyguard, who were in the car at the time, managed to escape unharmed.

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights of the Organization of American States has called on the Colombian authorities to take measures to guarantee the safety of Rodolfo Vecino and his family. Despite this, Rodolfo Vecino Acevedo and other members of USO continue to be at risk.

Business & human rights: Weekly Update - September 24, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 24 Sep 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=2008/09/24

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* John Ruggie announces global leadership group on business & human rights
- Members include Kofi Annan, John Browne, Neville Isdell, Hina Jilani, Cyril Ramaphosa, Mary Robinson, Guy Ryder
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/211566

* 17 states & Intl. Committee of the Red Cross publish "Montreux Document" on private military & security companies (PMSCs)
- Describes states' intl. obligations relating to PMSCs; provides recommendations on compliance
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/493156

* New interactive forum on "non-judicial grievance mechanisms", to inform John Ruggie's mandate
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/383786

* China: Local union & blogging workers allege Ole Wolff Electronics factory dismissed workers for forming a union
- Ole Wolff responds
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/317830

* 10 companies receive awards for initiatives to help achieve UN Millennium Development Goals - 3K&A, Diageo, Endesa, Haygrove, Olam Nigeria, Safaricom, Sistema Ser, SMART Communications, Syngenta, ZMQ Software
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/387800

* "Behind bad baby milk, an ethical gap in China's business" - overview by Christian Science Monitor
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/967707

* So. Africa: Commission for Employment Equity chair says companies use "sophisticated racism" to avoid compliance with legislation
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/852133

* Major advertising companies join with Ban Ki-moon to help tackle climate change
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/440270

* "Human Rights - A Call to Action": Realizing Rights, Global Reporting Initiative, UN Global Compact launch initiative to improve corporate human rights reporting
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/612868

* US govt. auditors say Environmental Protection Agency does little to keep hazardous electronic waste from flowing to poor countries
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/591150

* Jordan: Wal-Mart response to National Labor Commitee report on poor working conditions at Mediterranean Apparel factory (further to our 17 Sep Update)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/992962

* Interview with John Elkington: "Climate & poverty challenge traditional business models"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/413000

* Private military & security companies: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre presentation to UN Working Group on mercenaries, 4 Sep
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/266472

* Job announcement, Save the Children UK: Governance & Private Sector Policy Adviser, based in London (deadline 13 Oct)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/505437

* Job announcement, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre: Francophone Africa Researcher & Representative, based in Dakar, Senegal (deadline 28 Oct)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/505815

* Job announcement, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre: Development Director, based in New York (deadline 3 Nov)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/696632

* Español: Colombia: Federación Nacional de Cafeteros e Inst. Interamericano de Derechos Humanos cooperarán para la realización de derechos económicos, sociales y culturales
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/120507

* Español: Guatemala: Tribunal Latinoamericano del Agua condena a Montana por "daños al ambiente y a la población" - gremio rechaza el veredicto
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/977594

* Español: España: Justicia condena a Caja Inmaculada por discriminar a sus empleadas - empresa recurrirá la sentencia
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/654652

* Español: México: Agencia de gobierno amonesta a Mineras San Xavier y Ciudad Fernández por incumplir normas de desechos tóxicos
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/398683

* Español: España: Tres empresas de La Rioja sancionadas por vulnerar la igualdad
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/717708

* Español: Uruguay: Ambientalistas alertan sobre continuada contaminación de papelera Botnia - presidente Vázquez defiende a la empresa
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/399605

* Español: España: Unión de empresarios del Este de Madrid impulsa la integración socio-laboral de discapacitados
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/220662

* Français : Dix-sept pays parviennent à un accord sur des recommandations visant à contrôler les compagnies militaires et de sécurité privées
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/724469

* Français : Les « e-déchets » s'entassent en Asie & Afrique sous couvert d'offrir des outils informatiques aux pauvres
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/716662

* Français : Annonce d'emploi, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre : Chercheur pour l'Afrique Francophone, basé à Dakar (date limite 28 octobre)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/969743

* Français : Gaz Métro reçoit une amende pour discrimination envers les femmes au Québec
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/923231

* Français : 20 dirigeants de l'industrie de la publicité et le Secrétaire général de l'ONU lancent un partenariat pour sensibiliser l'opinion publique sur le changement climatique
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/761396

* Français : "La responsabilité des entreprises en matière de droits de l'homme" - "État des lieux" et recommandations à la Commission française consultative des droits de l'homme
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/535619

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

Thursday, September 18, 2008

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

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 17 Sep 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=2008/09/17

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* Intl. Commission of Jurists releases final report on corporate complicity in major human rights abuses
- John Ruggie commentary on the report
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/568011

* World Bank terminates Chad oil pipeline agreement after govt. fails to spend revenues on programmes for the poor
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/695036

* Jordan: Human trafficking & wide range of abuses at Mediterranean Resources, according to US-based National Labor Committee - supplies Hanesbrands, Wal-Mart
- Mediterranean Resources, Hanesbrands responses
- Wal-Mart said it will respond; we will include their response in a future Update
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/128402

* Company contributions to hurricane relief in Cuba, Haiti, USA
- refers to Citigroup, Digicel, Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, FedEx, Gulfstream, Home Depot, Kraft, Marathon Oil, Nestlé, Wal-Mart, Yutong
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/Hurricanerelief

* Argentine, Dutch Govts. accept OECD Guidelines complaint against Shell over environmental contamination in Buenos Aires
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/541615

* Ecuador indicts Chevron lawyers for alleged fraudulent certification of Texaco's environmental cleanup - Chevron claims indictments are politically motivated
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/899399

* China: 254 die in mudslide triggered by illegal iron mine - Shanxi province governor resigns
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/284329

* Uzbekistan Govt. takes measures to avoid child labour in cotton industry - activists raise concerns
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/585542

* USA: Agriprocessors bosses charged with using children in dangerous jobs
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/142167

* Israel/West Bank: Cases of employers' non-compliance with High Court ruling on Palestinian workers' rights, including withholding pay, using work permits to "intimidate" workers
- Royalife response
- We invited Yad Lechayey Adam Carpenters, Avgi Morris Carpenters to respond, but have not received their response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/473617

* USA: Whole Foods Market signs agreement with Coalition of Immokalee Workers to help improve tomato pickers' wages, working conditions
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/947518

* Initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS:
- Bangladesh: UNAIDS, Standard Chartered form business coalition on HIV/AIDS
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/825378
- Uganda: Century Bottling Company undertakes employee, community HIV testing campaign
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/744314
- Tanzania: British Airways-UNICEF program aims to curb mother-to-child HIV infection
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/165004

* Labour Behind the Label: UK retailers making "glacial progress" towards ensuring living wage for overseas workers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/523052

* Friends of the Earth says biofuels in Latin America harming environment, human rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/898255

* Rio Tinto response to Norwegian Pension Fund's decision to exclude company over environmental concerns in West Papua (further to last week's Update)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/490872

* Anti-malaria campaigners believe deal can be reached with pharmaceutical firms to bring down new drugs' prices for the poor
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/120284

* IFC partners with Global Reporting Initiative to help companies in emerging markets improve sustainability reporting
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/226463

* New summary profiles of lawsuits against US apparel companies over alleged labour abuses in Saipan, BP over environmental & security issues in Colombia
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/lawsuitprofiles-16Sep2008

* Upcoming International Conference on Transnational Corporations and Human Rights - European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (9-10 Oct, Berlin)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/535154

* Launch of ASrIA's Carbon Disclosure Report 2008 for Asia, excluding Japan (30 Sep, Hong Kong)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/417772

* Business & Human Rights Resource Centre appoints Surabhi Chopra as its first South Asia Researcher
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/SoAsiaappt

* Español: Por "daños causados a la salud y al ambiente", 'puntos de contacto' de Argentina y Holanda admiten queja contra Shell bajo las Directrices de la OCDE
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/376946

* Español: Perú: Fundación Telefónica y ONG presentan programa para escolarizar a 917 niños trabajadores o en riesgo de trabajar
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/456668

* Español: Colombia: 124 intoxicados, en su mayoría niños, por escape de caneca de Ecopetrol - empresa investiga
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/317889

* Español: Ecuador: Acusan penalmente a abogados de Chevron por falsificar resultados de saneamiento ambiental
- Chevron considera la acusación "políticamente motivada"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/763118

* Español: Rep. Dominicana: Llaman a empresas miembro del Pacto Global a rendir sus comunicaciones de progreso
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/942364

* Español: México: Propuesta en Cámara busca obligar a empresas que contraten servicios "outsourcing" a que no desconozcan los derechos de los trabajadores
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/581325

* Español: Perú: Congresista presenta proyecto para suspender concesiones mineras con el fin de evitar conflictos socioambientales
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/121877

* Español: Argentina: Empresas participan en programa para eliminar trabajo infantil en los viñedos (Bodegas Chandón, Alco, Bodega Catena Zapata, Shirley Hinojosa)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/503193

* Français : France : Le label Diversité lancé avec la particiaption du gouvernment - récompensera l'implication des entreprises pour limiter la discrimination
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/510852

* Français : Chine : 254 morts dans une coulée de boue déversée d'une mine de fer illégale
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/778008

* Français : Rapport des Amis de la Terre sur l'impact des agrocarburants : « Alimenter la destruction en Amérique latine »
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/507250

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

AI Canada: feds continue to drag their feet on corporate accountability

Here is an exchange of letters I have had over the last few months with the Conservative government regarding the Roundtable recommendations. They have just been published on AI Canada's BHR blog (thanks Fiona). First is a letter I sent to David Emerson and Stephen Harper. Second is a disappointing response from Michael Fortier, Minister of International Trade. Third is my response to Fortier's letter.
Dear Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister Emerson,

I am writing to you regarding the need for human rights standards to which Canadian extractive sector companies will be accountable. We have seen time and time again that voluntary guidelines are not enough to stem the incidence of human rights violations, as Canadian mining companies have been complicit in a range of human rights violations and environmental abuses.

We have recently passed the one-year anniversary of the release of the Advisory Group Report arising from the National Roundtable on Corporate Social responsibility. As a Canadian, I am upset that your government as not implemented the recommendations articulated in the report.

These recommendations are the culmination of a rare dialogue between industry and civil society. They provide us with an opportunity to ensure that Canadian companies respect human rights in their fields of operations in other countries. Both industry and civil society stand by the report, and are calling on you to take action.

In particular, I want to see

  • Mandatory human rights standards for Canadian transnational oil, gas and mining companies.
  • Monitoring mechanisms to make sure Canadian companies meet these standards.
  • Legislation to hold Canadian transnational oil, gas and mining companies accountable in Canada when found complicit in human rights abuses.

Mr. Harper, at the 2007 G8 meeting in Heiligendamm, Germany, you expressed support for these recommendations, saying that their implementation would make Canada a G8 leader in supporting principles of corporate social responsibility.

I respectfully urge you to put forth legislation implementing these recommendations as soon as possible. The upcoming G8 Leader’s Summit at Hokkaido Japan would be a prime opportunity to make an announcement to this effect.

Sincerely,
Stephen Karr

Dear Mr. Karr:

This is in response to your email of June 18, 2008, addressed to the
Honourable David Emerson and the Prime Minister, concerning the Canadian extractive sector and human rights. As Minister of International Trade, I am pleased to respond to you.

The Government of Canada attaches a great deal of importance to
corporate social responsibility, and encourages and expects Canadian companies investing abroad to respect all applicable laws and to conduct their operations in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

The Government encourages the Canadian business community to develop and implement corporate social responsibility practices in their operations abroad, recognizing that responsible business conduct reinforces the positive effects that trade and investment can have on human rights, the environment, competitiveness and international economies.

Voluntary initiatives can advance corporate social responsibility
objectives in a more flexible and expeditious way than regulation. The Advisory Group's recommendations, to which you refer in your email, are consistent with such a voluntary approach. While Canadian companies are, by and large, responsible corporate players, the Government recognizes that more can be done to enhance the ability of the Canadian extractive sector to manage the social and environmental risks of its operations overseas. The Government of Canada has already acted on two of the recommendations emerging from the Roundtables process: Canada's support for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and enhanced public reporting by the Canada Investment Fund for Africa. Please be assured that the Government is carefully examining all of the recommendations contained in the Advisory Group Report and will present its proposed course of action in due course.

Thank you for sharing your views on this issue.

Sincerely,
Michael M Fortier
Minister of International Trade

Dear Mr. Fortier:

Thank you for your e-mail of August 21, in response to my e-mail of June 18 urging support for the recommendations of the Advisory Group arising from the National Roundtable on Corporate Social Responsibility. As you correctly note, socially responsible business conduct is good for not only human rights and the environment, but business as well.

However, I must respectfully express disappointment over your response, and urge you to reconsider. There are two specific comments in your letter I feel I must address.

First, you state that voluntary approaches can advance CSR “in a more flexible and expeditious way than can regulation.” In themselves, voluntary approaches provide helpful guides to socially responsible business conduct, but they are not enough. We have seen repeatedly that many companies will simply ignore voluntary guidelines if they find them inconvenient.

Second, you state that the Advisory Group’s recommendations are “consistent with a voluntary approach.” Actually, a purely voluntary approach will ignore a significant portion of the Advisory Group’s report. The recommendations clearly call for mandatory standards and reporting obligations. In addition, they call for monitoring mechanisms in the forms of an independent ombudsperson and a tripartite Compliance Review Committee to ensure that companies are meeting these standards.

The recommendations as a whole provide us with a coherent process to ensure corporate social responsibility in the extractive sector. As human rights violations and environmental abuses continue, I respectfully urge you to promptly reconsider your government’s position on this very important matter.

Sincerely,
Stephen Karr



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

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 10 Sep 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=2008/09/10

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* Commentary on Chevron's stance in Ecuador environmental lawsuit, by Daniel Taillant (Center for Human Rights & Environment - Argentina)
- Chevron response
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/850691

* Commentary in USA Today says NBC's Olympics coverage gave "narrow view of China" by skirting human rights issues
- we invited NBC to respond but it has not done so
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/254141

* USA: Some employers assisting transgender workers - includes example at Hewitt Associates
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/818576

* John Ruggie comments on OECD guidelines decision against Afrimex (further to our 3 Sep Update)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/510695

* So. Africa: President of Chamber of Mines supports proposal to make mine executives accountable for safety
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/842841

* Commentary: Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Cisco & others will face "unprecedented scrutiny" of behaviour in China following the Olympics
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/229815

* Norway's pension fund excludes Rio Tinto over environmental impacts of Grasberg mine (Freeport-Rio Tinto joint venture in West Papua, Indonesia)
- includes response by Rio Tinto
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/140930

* Jordan: Private hospitals deny accusations of discrimination against foreigners
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/774462

* Tanzania: British Airways-UNICEF programme aims to curb mother-to-child HIV infection
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/165004

* Human Rights Watch says disabled face employment discrimination in China, even as Paralympics launch in Beijing
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/821769

* Realizing Rights' "Decent Work" events:
- Oslo conference, 5 Sep: Speakers include Mary Robinson, ILO head Juan Somavia, WTO head Pascal Lamy, officials from Gap, World Economic Forum (includes webcast)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/293344
- Monrovia high-level forum, 8-9 Sep, with Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf & Labour Minister Samuel Kofi Woods
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/204426

* Tesco CEO outlines business case for reducing carbon emissions
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/877513

* Dem. Rep. of Congo: Global Witness says firms must stop sourcing from mines controlled by armed groups or risk complicity
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/310636

* Security industry: Feasibility study by Intl. Peace Institute on intl. standards implementation & enforcement framework - open for comments until 30 Sep
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/317768

* Conference on "Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Responsibilities for Human Rights, and International Law" (Copenhagen 6-7 Nov)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/508238

* Award for best sustainability report in No. America - Ceres calls for nominees
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/812638

* Job announcement: Business & Human Rights Program Officer, Intl. Federation for Human Rights, Paris (deadline 10 Oct)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/786759

* Español: Corte de EE.UU. cita a Mercedes Benz a audiencia por demanda alegando complicidad de la empresa con desapariciones en Argentina
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/477475

* Español: España: Sindicato UGT detecta riesgos químicos en un 89% de empresas del sector industrial
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/895360

* Español: Colombia: Distrito de Bogotá y empresarios lanzan proyecto para mejorar la calidad del aire y del agua
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/926564

* Español: Argentina: Gobierno promete erradicar el trabajo infantil para el 2015
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/308914

* Español: Ecuador: Premio Goldman exige la reparación de los daños que Texaco/Chevron ocasionó en el Amazonas
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/756311

* Español: Colombia: En 2007 hubo 310 muertes laborales y casi medio millón de accidentes
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/182198

* Español: Chile: Gobierno crea sello "Iguala" para certificar que empresas promueven la equidad de género
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/751944

* Español: EE.UU.: Empleados transgénero reciben "protección y asistencia" de muchas empresas - incluye ejemplo de Hewitt Associates
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/529827

* Français : Fonds d'investissements norvégien exclut Rio Tinto à cause de préoccupations écologiques
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/625474

* Français : Telenor, de nouveau accusé de faire travailler des enfants au Bangladesh
- avec réponse de Telenor (seulement disponible en anglais)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/477172

* Français : Rép. dém. du Congo: Selon Global Witness, des entreprises qui achètent des minerais de zones contrôlées par des groupes armés risquent de se rendre complices
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/843877

* Français : Rép. dém. du Congo : Rapport d'un atelier de formation pour une exploitation minière et pétrolière responsable, avec participation du gouvernement, des ONG & des entreprises
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/639843

* Français : Les tribunaux américains tranchent en défaveur d'ExxonMobil, poursuivi pour complicité présumée dans des cas de torture & de meurtre en Indonésie
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/635153

* Français : Offre d'emploi : Chargé de programme "Entreprises et droits de l'Homme", FIDH, Paris (date limite 10 octobre 2008)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/561501

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Business & human rights: Weekly Update - September 3, 2008

From the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 3 Sep 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=2008/09/03

Español: ver abajo - Français : voir ci-dessous

* UK Govt. finds Afrimex breached OECD Guidelines in sourcing minerals from war zone in Dem. Rep. of Congo - complaint brought by Global Witness
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/175271

* Russia: Shell alleged to have influenced independent audit of environmental & social impact of its Sakhalin II gas project
- includes comments by Shell
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/431917

* Project supported by US Govt., companies & NGOs in 3 Latin American countries aims to improve workplace conditions & standards at fruit farms
- refers to Chiquita, Del Monte, Dole, Tesco, Wal-Mart
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/536954

* Summary of John Ruggie-IFC consultation on foreign investment contracts & human rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/867333

* Cambodia: NGO says lakeside residents pressured to relocate to make way for development by Shukaku Inc.
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/482367

* China: Oil boom in Xinjiang fuels Uighurs' resentment - say they are excluded from jobs, communities get little oil revenue
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/402748

* Singapore: National Trades Union Congress praises UBS and local firm The Event Company for policies towards pregnant women & mothers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/887564

* Sierra Leone Govt. reviewing mining policies - activists say more revenues should go to communities
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/491890

* Guatemala: Ingenio Guadalupe responds to allegations of violent repression by its security agents of indigenous farmers protesting displacement, environmental damage (further to our 6 Aug Update)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/740189

* video - USA: Poor conditions for migrant farm workers
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/498263

* USA: Citi to purchase up to $30 million in new loans from Accion Texas, giving microfinance provider capital to expand
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/330687

* Economist report on business & water - includes challenges, examples of steps by Coca-Cola, Dow Chemical, Elion Chemical, GE, Nestlé
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/236894

* Côte d'Ivoire: Criminal trial against individuals allegedly responsible for deadly toxic waste to start 29 Sep in Abidjan
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/719496

* USA: Corporate Equality Index ranks 583 firms on treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender employees, consumers, investors
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/716804

* Google, Yahoo! "tread carefully" regarding calls for US Govt. to launch trade dispute with China over internet censorship
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/127429

* Español: México: Trabajadores despedidos de Johnson Controls demandan a la empresa por supuestos abusos a sus derechos laborales
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/267663

* Español: Chile: Mapuches denunciarán abusos de autoridades relacionados a disputa con empresas forestales ante Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/640076

* Español: México: Fondo creado por Wal-Mart & PNUD para ayudar a los damnificados de inundaciones en Tabasco supera los 16 millones de pesos
http://edit.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/302285

* Español: Perú: La contaminación en La Oroya por emisiones de Doe Run llegó a niveles históricos y "espeluznantes"
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/624084

* Español: Chile: Estudio aprobado por la Cámara de Diputados señala a D&S y Cencosud por maltrato a trabajadores, restricción de la actividad sindical
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/425885

* Español: Empresa Manpower recibe reconocimiento por promover el desarrollo profesional de la mujer
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/898065

* Español: España: Transexual demanda a su empresa, Cotesa, por discriminación que dice haber sufrido después de anunciarle proceso de transición de género
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/109832

* Español: Qué empresas han hecho público su compromiso con los derechos humanos? - Mary Robinson lanza iniciativa para marcar el 60º aniversario de la Declaración Universal; proyecto en conjunto con el Centro de Información sobre Empresas y Derechos Humanos
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/432237

* Français : Afrimex a violé les principes directeurs de l'OCDE en achetant des minerais d'une région en guerre en Rép. Dém. du Congo, selon le gouvernement britannique
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/483978

* Français : Sénégal : Le Conseil national du patronat organise un atelier de sensibilisation sur le Vih/Sida pour les chefs d'entreprise
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/814986

* Français : Côte d'Ivoire : Des particuliers seront jugés pour l'affaire des déchets toxiques devant la cour d'assises d'Abidjan à partir du 29 septembre
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/384452

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