Business & human rights: Weekly Update - April 1, 2009

Weekly Update: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre - 1 Apr 2009

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=2009/04/01

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* Trafigura allegedly tried to persuade witnesses to change statements in UK lawsuit over toxic dumping in Côte d'Ivoire - judge prohibits most contact between company & witnesses
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/455237

* Philippines: NGO report says mining causes "large-scale ruin, particularly undermining food production"
- responses by BHP Billiton, Freeport McMoRan, Intex Resources, Pelican Resources, Philex, TVI Pacific, Xstrata/Sagittarius Mines/Indophil
- we attempted to invite Asiaticus Mining (AMCOR) to respond, but were unable to find any contact information
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/MiningorFood

* NGO report: "Breaking the Curse - How transparent taxation and fair taxes can turn Africa's mineral wealth into development"
- includes references to Anglo American, Barrick Gold, Impala Platinum, Lonmin, others
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/231357

* Greenpeace "Guide to Greener Electronics" shows overall improvement by IT firms on climate change
- refers to positive steps by Dell, HP, Nokia, Philips, Samsung, others
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/458887

* "Manila Declaration of the Intl. Conference on Extractive Industries and Indigenous Peoples" (held 23-25 Mar, Philippines)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/477674

* Canadian Govt. announces measures to help Canadian extractive firms uphold social, environmental responsibilities abroad
- text of new strategy: "Building the Canadian Advantage"
- reactions by NGOs, mining association
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/401035

* "Private Military and Security Companies: A Framework for Regulation" - Intl. Peace Institute
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/574972

* India: "Too hot to handle?" - Article says firms mishandling toxic industrial waste
- BEIL (Bharuch Enviro Infrastructure Ltd) response
- we invited Ramky & GEPIL (Gujarat Enviro Protection and Infrastructure Ltd) to respond but they have not done so
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/515281

* Colombian paramilitary leader's testimony sheds light on payments from US banana companies that allegedly helped finance killings
- refers to Chiquita, Dole, Fresh Del Monte
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/306535

* Zambia: Natl. human rights commission concerned by extent of labour rights abuses
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/433792

* Armenia: Concerns over environmental & health impacts of proposed uranium project by Armenian-Russian Mining Company
- NGO says given the risks, public discussions are essential
- company comment included
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/444952

* Guatemala: Public Service Alliance of Canada withdraws from Goldcorp human rights impact assessment
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/401208

* "Vote Human Rights" initiative to identify challenging issues for specific sectors (Danish Institute, UN Global Compact)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/360132

* Canadian Govt. & Pact-Inc (NGO) join Voluntary Principles on Security & Human Rights
- principles renew focus on local implementation
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/756269

* Strengths & weaknesses of judicial & non-judicial remedies for adverse corporate human rights impacts - short paper for John Ruggie
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/690340

* Mary Robinson calls on business schools to incorporate teaching on human rights
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/220677

* World Business Council for Sustainable Development launches new version of "Global Water Tool" for companies
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/295169

* Upcoming event: Panel on lawsuit in US against Shell over alleged complicity in human rights abuses in Nigeria (London, 6 April)
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/368048

* Español: México: Jornaleros acusan a empresa agrícola de obligarlos a trabajar en condiciones de semiesclavitud
- Propietario de Agropecuaria Las Mercedes niega las alegaciones
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/940660

* Español: Chile: Denuncian plantas de celulosa, entre ellas Celulosa del Pacífico y Quimetal, por "verter desechos tóxicos" a las aguas de la IX región
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/941574

* Español: Ecuador: Finaliza inspección judicial en caso de contaminación en tierras indígenas contra Texaco/Chevron
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/371591

* Español: Perú: Ecopetrol entrará en tierra de indígenas aislados - Survival International expresa preocupación
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/608057

* Español: Repsol-YPF prepara norma interna, en colaboración con Intermón Oxfam, que acuerda respeto y consulta con pueblos indígenas
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/908257

* Español: México: Autoridades y vecinos dicen que muerte de 11 campesinos pudo deberse a tóxicos vertidos por empresa Ecoltec
- Ecoltec niega tirar sus desechos a las cauces
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/404873

* Español: Chile: Acción legal contra salmonera Cultivos Marinos Chiloé por muerte de buzo tras accidente laboral
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/407761

* Español: Honduras: Sentencias de cárcel para asesinos de abogado que defendía derechos laborales de guardias de seguridad
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/614514

* Español: Colombia: Sitio web sobre buenas prácticas empresariales que contribuyen al proceso de reintegración de combatientes desmovilizados
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/732605

* Español: España: Aerolíneas Argentinas condenada por discriminación contra trabajador homosexual
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/744047

* Français : Le Gouvernement du Canada annonce de nouvelles initiatives en appui aux pratiques commerciales responsables des entreprises canadiennes à l'étranger
- Réactions d'ONGs et de l'association minière
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/935287

* Français : Angola : Chevron et partenaires offrent mille moustiquaires imprégnées au Sanatorium de Luanda
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/565778

* Français : Algérie : La Zone Industrielle de Hassi Ameur accusée de nuire à la santé des communautés avoisinantes
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/680740

* Français : Rapport d'ONGs dit que les politiques fiscales des États africains à l'égard des multinationales minières privent l'Afrique de millions de dollars
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/275268

* Français : États-Unis : Cour Suprême déboute les victimes vietnamiennes de l'agent orange - entreprises productrices innocentées, y compris Dow et Monsanto
http://www.business-humanrights.org/Links/Repository/640552

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