NEWS:
EU Imports Associated with Child Labour
June 10, 2021
What is the value of EU imports produced with child labour? And what are the policy options -- leveraging Europe's collective purchasing power -- to constructively engage exporting countries on this issue? These were the key questions that MEP Saskia Bricmont and economist Olivier Derruine of The Greens/EFA Group entrusted us to answer.
Labour rights in the Fairtrade system
May 28, 2021
With the ultimate purpose of informing Fairtrade's systemwide strategy concerning agricultural workers, our operational assessment examined the working and living conditions of cocoa/banana workers including hired labourers in smallholder settings of cocoa production in West Africa and banana production in Latin America and the Caribbean. Commissioned by Fairtrade and authored by DI members, this study covered the production of two crops in five countries: cocoa in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; and banana in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Perú. In scope were Fairtrade-certified Small-scale Producer Organisations (SPOs). Fairtrade made public the 11-page executive summary of the report. They also published our Policy Briefing, and their Management Response.
DI Develops M&E Framework for the OECD
April 27, 2021
Under the direction of Luca Maiotti, Benjamin Katz, Hannah Koep-Andrieu and Tyler Gillard (OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct), it was an honor for DI, along with the Canadian NGO IMPACT, to author the OECD's Monitoring & Evaluation Framework on the implementation of the OECD's minerals Due Diligence Guidance (DDG). This Framework will help understand to what extent corporate due diligence implementation is impacting mineral supply chains and the conditions in producer countries suffering from conflict.
"Devoir de Vigilance: Reforming Corporate Risk Engagement" -- report released
June 08, 2020
The French Devoir de Vigilance law is unique in that it requires companies to actually take care of people and planet, or else... This report assesses 134 companies, who identified as being subject to the law, against their legal compliance, UNGP performance, and transparency. There is something for everyone in this study: For companies, how did you square off against the actual legal requirements and UNGPs? For civil society, what makes this law special, and how is it being implemented? For policy-makers, is the legislative intent being met? For lawyers, what is the legal theory with which one could defend or attack any given subject company? Here the report's landing page.
DI releases brief on 4 ESG indicators revealing serious reporting discrepancies
December 10, 2019
Our 3-country ESG reporting analysis (Germany, Austria, Sweden) yielded gaping measurement discrepancies (units, denominators), particularly on 4 GRI indicators:
- GHG emissions (10 differences)
- energy consumption (9 differences)
- recycled input materials (9 differences)
- work-related injuries (7 differences)
WFCL in the DRC: Cobalt Refiner Due Diligence Reporting
July 30, 2019
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been called the Saudi Arabia of the electric vehicle age, home to the majority of the world's cobalt reserves. Yet need we usher in the e-mobility revolution, and with it the low carbon era, at the expense of human rights? This report picks up where Amnesty's "THIS IS WHAT WE DIE FOR" left off, and a few years later asks what Cobalt refiners are doing in the way of child labour due diligence in accordance with the OECD and CCCMC guidance.
2nd benchmarking of the Global Governance RE 100 Index
May 19, 2019
The Global Governance Real Estate (RE) 100 Index ranks the compliance, conformance and human rights good practice with the UK Modern Slavery Act (MSA) of London’s largest commercial landlords by square foot.
As a group, the 2019 Global Governance RE 100’s average combined score was 39%.
-> Here the open access link to the RE 100 League Table
-> Here the press release
The 2018/19 RE 100 league table was commissioned by the Global Governance Research Fund (GGRF). The initial contributors to the GGRF are BRE and Marshalls.
Corporate Non-Financial Reporting: The case of Germany, Sweden and Austria
May 05, 2019
We are pleased to have published baseline studies that systematically assess the degree of non-financial reporting under the EU NFRD in Germany, Sweden, and Austria. Each benchmark features an evaluation framework premised on 60+ key performance indicators (KPIs) based on GRI, DNK, and UN Global Compact indicators on a range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics.
-> Here the reports' landing page
-> Here an article on the EU NFRD report on Germany (in German)
To iPoint-systems, who funded this work, we are immensely grateful!
Global Governance FTSE 100 Index
April 28, 2019
Our second FTSE 100 MSA Benchmark shows year-on-year improvements in Modern Slavery statements by 87% of the 24 companies that had a new statement in 2019. Yet more work lies ahead as the average combined score is 48% (a cumulative score comprising legal compliance, legal conformance, and good practice). For details, check out the new League Table and download scorecards.
For the press release click here, and here a thoughtful article in Edie by Sarah George.
The 2018/19 FTSE 100 league table was commissioned by the Global Governance Research Fund (GGRF). The initial contributors to the GGRF are BRE and Marshalls.
Collective Action Initiatives Confronting Corruption and Forced Labour
April 04, 2019
Multi-stakeholder action -- also referred to as collective action initiatives (CAIs) -- including at least one corporate member and targeting either corruption or modern-day slavery, is surveyed in 15 countries.
Our research reveals a thriving network of anti-corruption CAIs (68 in total), with a growing number of CAIs focused on combating forced labour (30 in total). Some countries such as South Africa, India, and Nepal host a vibrant network of CAIs across both sectors, while other countries such as Nigeria and Mozambique display a much higher existence of anti-corruption CAIs.
A sincere thank you to DFID for funding and to Konung for stellar partnership.
Forced labor and child labor in West Africa’s cocoa sector
November 15, 2018
In the new report BITTER SWEETS: Prevalence of forced labour & child labour in the cocoa sectors of Côte d’Ivoire & Ghana, principal investigator Dr. de Buhr, supported by Elise Gordon of the Walk Free Foundation, found that an estimated 1.7 per 1,000 children in Côte d’Ivoire and an estimated 20 per 1,000 children in Ghana laboring in cocoa were forced to work by someone other than a parent between 2013 and 2017.
Drs. de Buhr and Bertrand were also recently interviewed on the subject by Mother Jones.
Anti-slavery actions by Great Britain's FTSE 100 and Real Estate 100 companies
October 22, 2018
Great Britain's FTSE 100 stock index makes up 80% of the public companies' market capitalisation in the country. Our second Modern Slavery Act (MSA) benchmarking study therefore hones in on these companies, as well as the top 100 real estate holders/developers in Great Britain. Even amongst the well-heeled, legal compliance gaps abound. Yet the study also reveals robust anti-slavery programs, inspecting their nuts and bolts.
Thanks to Sustain Worldwide for facilitating this work through the Global Governance Research Fund.
Child labor: (De)stabilizing factors affecting cocoa cooperatives
August 07, 2018
Product certification has been advanced as one measure against the Worst Forms of Child Labor (WFCL). DI researchers carried out research in Côte d'Ivoire at the cooperative level, asking farmers and managers to identify factors that stabilize or destabilize their organizations. Our new study -- "Analyse sociologique de l’autonomisation des producteurs de cacao dans l’ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire" -- reveals a number of "practices" that limit cooperatives' growth and undermine their long-term interests.
Thank you, ILRF, for funding this work!
Conflict Minerals: "Filing Status RY2017" report released
June 03, 2018
DI reviewed the issuer filings between reporting year 2013 and 2017 pursuant to Dodd-Frank Section 1502, and observed an overall filing drop of 222 conflict minerals disclosures – 16.8% in total – over the 5 years
-> this Bloomberg article covered select findings
Conflict Minerals: DI informs IEEE 1680.1™
May 13, 2018
DI's Chris Bayer was pleased to participate in the multi-stakeholder forum that produced the IEEE 1680.1™ – 2018 Standard for Environmental and Social Responsibility Assessment of Computers and Displays. Published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in March 2018, the standard covers several criteria to help determine products’ environmental and social sustainability, and includes, for the first time, conflict minerals provisions. The updated IEEE standards were subsequently adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as criteria for its Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). Federal purchasers in the United States, Australia, Canada, and others are now required to procure products that meet this standard.
Anti-slavery: "Corporate Compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act – 2017/18" report released
April 17, 2018
Having analyzed the disclosure performance and anti-slavery good practice of a representative sample of 6,501 UK-registered organisations subject to the UK Modern Slavery Act, we are pleased to share our macro- and micro-level findings.
--> download the report
SOR Benchmarking: "3TG+C Smelter and Refiner Disclosure Conformance with Leading Due Diligence and Assurance Standards"
March 04, 2018
To what degree are industry-led assurance programs (LBMA, RMI, RJC, DMCC, CCCMC, etc.) enforcing the disclosure requirements on the part of participating Smelters or Refiners (SORs)? To what extent are SORs adhering to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance? Our assessment of 370 SORs offers clues.
--> download report (v.2)
--> view the report's scorecards -- in English or Mandarin
DI's Jesse Hudson contributes NGO chapter to Grievance Mechanism study commissioned by ETI
November 12, 2017
As worker-level grievance mechanisms are the ultimate form of quality control on the conduct of fair and productive labor operations, DI's Jesse Hudson and co-author Mark Winters were thrilled to author an Ethical Trading Initiative-commissioned paper "NGO Leadership in Grievance Mechanisms and Access to Remedy in Global Supply Chains" and to present it on Nov. 30 in Geneva. It explores the roles of NGOs in shaping and operating effective grievance mechanisms, takes a deep-dive into two such mechanisms led by Amader Kotha and Issara Institute, and exposes current issues.
Conflict Minerals: We appreciate the press coverage of our RY2016 Conflict Minerals Benchmarking study!
Bloomberg: Most Companies Still Struggle With Source of Conflict Minerals
by Andrea Vittorio, July 25, 2017
ESPNews: Electronics Companies Continue to Lead in Conflict Mineral Compliance
by Barbara Jorgensen, 26 July 2017
Chemical Watch: Companies remain committed to US conflict minerals reporting
by Tammy Lovell, 17 August 2017
Spend Matters: What Dodd-Frank Repeal? Companies Continue to File Conflict Minerals Disclosures
by Sydney Lazarus, 24 August 2017
Conflict Minerals: RY2016 filings show there is considerable momentum behind CM due diligence!
July 24, 2017
Three (3) companies earned perfect 100-100 scores, and 313 companies – 1/4th of all filers – earned at least 75% on the combined SEC-OECD score, as revealed by our 3rd conflict minerals benchmarking study that assessed all 1,153 issuers' filings for RY2016.
A huge thank you to our Stakeholder Forum members for your excellent critiques along the way!
Conflict Minerals: DI submits letter in response to Acting SEC Chairman Piwowar's January 2017 requests for comments
March 15, 2017
In response to Acting SEC Chairman Piwowar's January 2017 requests for comments on the Commission's Conflict Minerals Rule, DI took the opportunity to answer a dozen key questions concerning what Dodd-Frank Section 1502 – and the SEC rule by extension – has or has not accomplished in the way of the legislative intent. Here our letter, and here the main points.
Conflict Minerals: DI's perspective on recent challenges to Dodd-Frank featured by the press
EPSNews: How the SEC’s Shift on Conflict Minerals Will Impact Electronics
by Barbara Jorgensen, April 11, 2017
Bloomberg: Companies, Congress May Diverge on Conflict Minerals
by Andrea Vittorio, November 23, 2016
Anti-slavery: For real -- companies' anti-slavery compliance performance improves in 2016
March 06, 2017
Upon a careful analysis of 1,909 anti-slavery statements pursuant to CA-TISCA (SB 657), we find that compliance -- and pro-active supply chain engagement to some extent -- increased in 2016 as compared with 2015. Our analysis also highlights dozens of innovative approaches individual companies are taking in tackling aspects this scourge. Thank you, iPoint, for funding this research!
For the report and your company's scorecard here the landing page, and here the press release.
Conflict Minerals: DI releases its RY2015 benchmarking report and issuer scorecards after review process
November 14, 2016
The review process now complete, DI releases v.3 of the report and the scorecards. Kudos to the issuers with high marks, whose considerable due diligence efforts during 2015 were apparent!
Click here for v.3 of the report, and click here for the scorecards.
A big thank you again to Assent Compliance for funding also this year's conflict mineral benchmarking study!
Anti-Slavery: DI's Chris Bayer honored to have headed the development of a B2B Anti-Slavery Reporting Template
November 13, 2016
Just released by iPoint, the electronic Labor Rights Template (eLRT), is a free, open-access, Excel-based, business-to-business (B2B) reporting tool designed to support companies in their compliance with global human trafficking and modern-day slavery legislation.
Here the press release, and here the tool's home on the web.
Conflict Minerals: Thank you, members of the press, for covering salient and nuanced findings of our RY2015 Conflict Minerals Benchmarking study!
Bloomberg: Most Companies in the Dark on Conflict Minerals
by Emily Chasan, July 28, 2016
Metal Miner: Bayer: Dodd-Frank Conflict Minerals Requirements Effective
by Jeff Yoders, August 11, 2016
Spend Matters: Many Companies Still Struggling with Conflict Mineral Reporting
by Kaitlyn McAvoy, August 12, 2016
ESP News: Electronics Ranks High in Conflict Minerals Compliance
by Barbara Jorgensen, August 19, 2016
AP: Report: Gunmen still control metals mined for modern gadgets
by Brandon Bailey, October 25, 2016
Conflict Minerals: Panel discussion with esteemed colleagues Michael Littenberg and Kristen Sullivan
July 05, 2016
DI's Dr. Chris Bayer recently had an opportunity to sit down with Michael Littenberg and Kristen Sullivan to discuss, inter alia:
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Challenges faced by companies while building conflict minerals compliance programs
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How to determine success of your conflict minerals program
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The SEC conflict minerals ruling and its impact
Thank you, Assent Compliance, for hosting this discussion and keeping that camera rolling.
Conflict Minerals: We much appreciate the press coverage of our RY2014 conflict minerals disclosure evaluation:
tedmagazine: Have Efforts To Curb The Use Of Conflict Minerals Made Any Real Difference To Date?
by Ken Stier, Oct. 15, 2015
by Morgan Winsor, Sept. 18, 2015
NYT: Companies Struggle to Comply With Rules on Conflict Minerals
by Lynnley Browning, Sept. 7, 2015
WSJ: In Conflict Minerals, Ethical Investors Gain Ability to Rank Companies
by Kristin Lin and Emily Chasan, Aug. 5, 2015
by Emily Chasan, Aug. 3, 2015
Conflict Minerals: v.2 of "Dodd-Frank Section 1502 – RY2014 Filing Evaluation" released
November 15, 2015
We are pleased to release version 2 of our "Dodd-Frank Section 1502 – RY2014 Filing Evaluation," which evaluates the compliance of 1,271 conflict minerals disclosures. This report also includes the 4 late filings which we had not evaluated in the report v.1, and v.2 also contains the full Appendix E. A big thank you to Assent Compliance for funding this study!
Anti-Slavery: A shout out to the press for covering our 2015 evaluation of corporate compliance with CA-TISCA!
The Guardian: California law aimed at slowing human trafficking and forced labor should do more, report says
by Leah Messinger, Jan 22, 2016
Bloomberg: These Lawyers Want Slave Labor Warnings on Your Cat Food
by Erik Larson, Dec. 11, 2015
IBTimes: In California, Companies Struggle To Combat Human Trafficking, Slavery In Compliance With Transparency in Supply Chains Act: Report
by Morgan Winsor, Nov. 04, 2015
Anti-Slavery: "Corporate Compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010" report released!
November 01, 2015
Five years after the act's signing, we are pleased to announce the release of the first California Transparency in Supply Chains Act benchmarking study, which comprehensively evaluates 1,504 qualifying companies on their disclosure compliance.
To download a copy, click here.
Worst Forms of Child Labor: Thank you, members of the press, for covering our 2015 report "Survey Research on Child Labor in West African Cocoa Growing Areas"
Fortune: Bitter Sweets
by Brian O'Keefe, March 1, 2016
The Times: Watchdog: You'll never look at chocolate the same
by Lex Talamo, January 27, 2016
Confectionary News: Hazardous cocoa child labor climbs 18% in West Africa
by Oliver Nieburg, July 30, 2015
Reuters: Child labor rises on Ivory Coast cocoa farms -report
by Marcy Nicholson, July 30, 2015
Worst Forms of Child Labor: 2013/14 Survey Research on Child Labor in West African Cocoa Growing Areas -- Report Released
July 29, 2015
Under the rubric of the "Oversight of Public and Private Initiatives to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor in the Cocoa Sector in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana" project, DI team members publish the latest 2013/14 Survey Research on Child Labor in West African Cocoa Growing Areas.