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Written question asked by Alyn Smith (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 21 March 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 March 2022. It was answered by Vicky Ford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 March 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Foreign Companies: Human Rights

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to protect human rights around the world from negligence and malpractice of transnational mining corporations incorporated in the UK.

Answer

The UK Government works through a number of international mechanisms including supporting the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains which enables businesses to operate responsibly in conflict affected and high risk areas and as a member of the Kimberley Process to help stem the flow of conflict diamonds.

The UK is also a member of the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights which promote a set of principles to guide companies in the extractives sector to maintain the safety and security of their operations in a manner that reduces the risk of human rights abuses including in local communities.

More broadly, the Government expects all UK businesses to respect human rights throughout their operations, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The UK is signatory to the 1976 OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multi-National Enterprises, which adopted the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
143794
Session
2021-22
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Human rights Foreign companies Misconduct Mining Negligence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk