Instances of abuse of force by private and public security forces in artisanal, small-scale and large-scale mining operations around the world are increasingly being reported. Companies in mineral supply chains are expected to identify such risks and take action. DCAF, ICRC and OECD have developed a number of tools and initiatives to support this.
Behind every deforestation struggle is a global supply chain. The demand for commodities in one place can lead to the loss of forest in another, particularly when forest area is converted to other land uses such as agricultural production. This column looks at how the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and related due diligence guidance can help companies understand how they can help address biodiversity challenges, amongst other environmental risks, in their business operations, supply chains and relationships.
As the world begins to re-build and re-design in the wake of the pandemic, OECD's Greg Medcraft and Allan Jørgensen look at the contribution OECD instruments on responsible business conduct can make to help drive responsible climate action.
Over recent years, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector has received unprecedented levels of interest from producing governments, to consumer-facing companies sourcing components globally, to international NGOs calling for responsible sourcing of minerals used in batteries and electric vehicles. And with good reason. Artisanal and small-scale miners supply an increasing share of the world’s production of various commodities, such as construction minerals, precious stones, gold and cobalt. The industry employs an estimated 42.6 million people globally. To help maximise the contribution of the ASM sector to local economies, the OECD and the Extractive Industries Transparency initiative work together with actors from producing nations.
In this post Shivani Kannabhiran and Rena Hinoshita from the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct look at the EU’s new Farm to Fork strategy and at how the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains can help companies build resilient and sustainable supply chains.
OECD's Rashad Abelson clarifies due diligence expectations in responsible mineral supply chains and explains why understanding “red flags” is crucial for effective supply chain due diligence
With the COVID-19 pandemic provoking a global health and economic emergency, the OECD’s Dorothy Lovell looks at how OECD guidance on responsible business conduct can help governments and business address the impacts of COVID-19 in a way that mitigates harm to workers and supply chains in the garment sector.
Responsible supply chain management in the garment and footwear sector is a tough challenge for global companies. OECD's Juliet Lawal looks at how OECD guidance and implementation processes can help.
Seventy years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, companies now have a responsibility to respect human rights. Christine Kaufmann and Roel Nieuwenkamp look at how companies should integrate this obligation into their company operations.
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