A Guide for Companies: Do No Harm
Written by Global Witness
This paper argues that the due diligence that companies using minerals or metals originating from eastern DRC needs to undertake consists of:
* A conflict minerals policy
* Supply chain risk assessments, including on the ground checks on suppliers
* Remedial action to deal with any problems identified
* Independent third party audits of their due diligence measures
* Public reporting
The report outlines each of these elements and makes suggestions on how companies can put them into practice.
By putting these measures in place, companies can help to create a mining sector in eastern DRC that brings real benefit to the people who live there. A due diligence-based approach to sourcing minerals and metals is not about imposing blanket bans on trade; it is about ensuring that business does not perpetuate armed violence, serious human rights abuses and other crimes.
At the same time, a key message to companies that runs through this paper is that if they choose to use minerals or metals originating from eastern DRC they have a responsibility to demonstrate - by doing due diligence - that their activities are not causing harm. If they cannot do this, they must seek their supplies elsewhere.
http://www.globalwitness.org/media_library_get.php/1406/1278950396/do_no...
