Cusco, Lima, La Paz, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Brussel, Bern, Zurich, Berlín, Noviembre 12, 2014
Dear Sir / Madam:
Secretariat
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
Dear Sir / Madam:
Human Security Division
Human Security of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Swiss Confederation
Dear Sir / Madam:
Business and Conflict Team
Conflict Department, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
United Kindgdom
The non-governmental organisations (NGO) and individuals that sign this letter, in exercise of the universal principle of direct democracy and in our duty to monitor the multiple impacts generated by multinational corporations, have during the past four years been monitoring and following up on the impacts of the mining activities in Colombia of the Swiss corporation, Glencore International PLC.
In the last four years of monitoring, we have found a great deal of evidence concerning the impacts of the mining operations of Glencore in Colombia, many of which have not been mentioned, recognised or monitored by this Company in their sustainability reports, audits, independent reports, ratings in stock markets and public corporate presentations. This is despite numerous commitments made by the company in its code of conduct, other company standards and initiatives where the company participates.
Your will find in the attachment a document with the evidences regarding the lack of a register, monitoring and appropriate corporate actions in relation to important human rights abuses committed by members of the military unit that provides security to the Company’s operations in the Cesar department (Colombia), from 2006 until today.
This also evidences poor risk assessment processes, given that the company does not appear to have implemented essential mechanisms like i) a human rights register and ii) conflict analysis, as outlined in the Voluntary Principles. This suggests a lack of awareness of the regional human rights context where the Company operates.
We look forward to receiving a prompt response and reiterate our willingness for dialogue,
BROEDERLIJK DELEN
Brussel
OFICINA INTERNACIONAL DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS
ACCIÓN COLOMBIA (OIDHACO)
Brussel
KOLKO – MENSCHENRECHTE FÜR KOLUMBIEN
Berlin
MULTIWATCH
Bern
SOLIFONDS
Zurich
BROT FÜR ALLE
Bern
OBSERVARDORES GLENCORE – XSTRATA
Cusco, Lima, Mendoza, Bogota
PENSAMIENTO Y ACCION SOCIAL
Bogota
PACHAKUTI
La Paz
download the letter here:
