Report: More countries at extreme risk from human rights abuses
Ukraine, Thailand and Turkey have experienced the steepest rise in human rights risks during 2014, according to a new report from risk analytics company Maplecroft. “Heavy-handed government responses to civil unrest and failures in rule of law” have contributed to the countries’ deterioration, according to the report, while Maplecroft’s Human Rights Risk Atlas (HRRA) shows the number of “extreme risk” countries has increased from 20 in 2008 to 35 in 2015. Lizabeth Campbell, director of human rights at Maplecroft, said: “Displaced populations, especially women and children, are exceptionally vulnerable to exploitation through trafficking and modern slavery. Aside from the obvious humanitarian tragedy, the displacement of these vulnerable groups carries significant risks for companies, as victims can appear in various stages of company supply chains, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and mining.” For example, Maplecroft said in Ukraine it had identified “commercial exploitation of over 430,000 conflict-driven migrants as a serious issue.”(Supply Management)
Climate Change
South East Asian countries “must co-ordinate climate action to cope with adverse climate impacts”
The countries of South Asia need to stand together in their efforts to push for more finance from the developed world to help them adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, according to a regional expert. “Countries in the region must co-ordinate climate action to cope with adverse climate impacts, such as flash floods, forest fires, cyclones, migration and sea-level rise.” said Saleemul Huq, senior fellow in the Climate Change Group at the International Institute for Environment and Development. In its latest assessment, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identified the South Asia region as one of the area’s most vulnerable to warming. However co-operation between the region’s countries on climate change is minimal. Pakistan and India remain deeply suspicious of each other, while China and India are competing for water resources, and large-scale dam building programmes in both countries are creating environmental tensions. (Climate News Network)
Corporate Reputation
Chevron plans to block Ecuadorian villagers from enforcing $9.5 billion judgment
Lawyers for a group of Ecuadorian villagers will ask the Supreme Court of Canada to grant their clients access to Canadian courts to enforce a controversial $9.5 billion (US) environmental judgment against Chevron. The oil company was sued by Ecuadorian indigenous people from the Lago Agrio region over a clean-up bill and damages from oil pollution in the region. However, Chevron, which now has no assets in Ecuador, is refusing to pay, with its lawyers repeatedly vowing a “lifetime of litigation” if the litigants persist in pursing their claims. As a result, the Ecuadorians have sought to have the judgement enforced in Canada, Brazil and Argentina. Using the principle known as “corporate veil”, the company asserts that its Canadian subsidiary is a separate entity to the parent company and had nothing to do with the underlying lawsuit. Lawyers for the Ecuadorians say Canada may represent the best chance for them to get justice, and accuse Chevron of attempting to erect a new jurisdictional barrier to block their effort. (The Globe and Mail; CSR Wire)
Supply Chain
Palm oil producers commit to addressing deforestation
Following last week’s strong pro-peatlands and forests commitment by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, two of the world’s largest palm oil producers and traders, Musim Mar and Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK), have announced policies to address the criticism of deforestation in their supply chains. However, Greenpeace says that whilst Musim Mas has commited to immediately protect High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests, KLK has not yet defined exactly what it will protect. “While Musim Mas will use the leading methodology to break the link between palm oil and deforestation, KLK fails to identify what forests the company plans to protect,” said Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaigner Annisa Rahmawati. “Without a clear definition, it is hard for us to believe that the company is serious about its commitments.” (The Jakarta Globe)
Waste
New York bans e-waste
A new state law in New York will require people to recycle their electronics from the beginning of January, or face a fine of $100. From 1 January, consumers wishing to get rid of old computers and monitors, phones, keyboards, TVs and other electronic gear will have to drop them off at participating retail stores or at local recycling events. “Encouraging the recycling of electronic equipment keeps both harmful components and valuable recyclable materials out of the waste stream and the environment,” Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said at a City Council hearing Tuesday. Education will include 30-second spots that will play in taxis and on local channels. Mailers are being sent to residents, and building super and manager recycling trainings have highlighted the upcoming ban for over a year. (Environmental Leader)
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