Publications
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Series for Responsible Investor (RI) Engagement: NGO Priorities for Mobile Network Operators
Case study on the Peruvian mango supply chain
This briefing, highlighting labour rights violations at mango plantations in Peru, illustrates that companies do not automatically behave responsibly throughout its supply chain, nor impose upon themselves a duty of care. The case study among others identifies that workers at the beginning of the Peruvian mango supply chain work long days for poverty wages and under substandard circumstances. In effect the case study shows that Europe is currently failing to ensure that responsible standards are being met by its multinationals.
Food Markets in Dutch
The effect on prices of increased financial investments in commodity derivatives markets especially those for staple foods has been the subject of fierce debate since 2008. In order to make an informed dialogue possible between Dutch financial institutions and civil society organisations this report aims to provide a better understanding of the activities of large Dutch financial institutions in the (agricultural) commodity derivatives markets.
Unheard Voices
Unheard Voices reveals how local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are barely consulted by copper and cobalt mining companies that are taking their land or digging next to their houses. These minerals are being mined in part to satisfy the global demand for the latest high tech mobile phones and computers produced by the electronics industry.
Feeding the Financial Hype
This report provides an overview of the on-going discussion on the impact of the financial investments in commodity derivatives markets. These investments have dramatically increased over the past decade, a period of sharp and sudden price swings in both futures and physical markets for commodities, including food commodities. Rising food prices are hurting the poorest people who spend up to 80% of their income on food.
OECD Watch Quarterly Case Update November 2011
The highlights of this Quarterly Case Update include developments in OECD Guidelines cases filed against among others Xstrata Copper regarding impacts on periglacial environments in Argentina, Barrick Gold regarding human rights abuses at its Porgera JV Mine in Papua New Guinea, Royal Dutch Shell regarding its disclosure of oil spills in Nigeria, Arcelor Mittal for mismanagement of the community fund in Liberia and Intex resources regarding its nickel mining practices in the Philippines.
What a Waste
The research for this report has been conducted by researchers from DanWatch on a field trip to Greater Accra Region, Western Region and Ashanti Region in November 2009, where Mike Anane from the League of Environmental Journalists, based in Accra, Ghana, also contributed with research.In July 2010 researchers from DanWatch visited Ghana to carry out the final research on the health consequences and to document new cases of European e-wast exported to Ghana. In addition, desk studies have been carried out by DanWatch.
Out of Focus
MakeITfairs report “Out of focus” on digital camera companies in Vietnam reveals that the major issue faced by workers is the lack of freedom of association and collective bargaining power. Although the Vietnamese labour law only permits one legal trade union, without taking proactive steps, the electronics companies in Vietnam risk wildcat strikes.
Burning Rubber
Several Liberian farmers and charcoal producers experience harmful effects of the operations of Buchanan Renewables, a company that produces biomass of which Swedish electricity giant Vattenfall is part owner. This report describes how the company, which presents itself as a highly sustainable venture, has a negative impact on the livelihoods of a number of smallholder farmers, has not taken adequate measures to improve the energy situation in Liberia, and has a corporate structure which can be optimally used to avoid paying taxes in Liberia.
