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<div class="moz-text-html" lang="x-western"> <a
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href="http://www.oecd.org/document/19/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_48029523_1_1_1_1,00.html">http://www.oecd.org/document/19/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_48029523_1_1_1_1,00.html</a><br>
<p>5/05/2011 - Ministers from OECD and developing economies will
today agree new guidelines to promote more responsible business
conduct by multinational enterprises, and a second set of
guidance to limit the use of conflict minerals.<br>
<br>
Forty-two countries will commit to new, tougher standards of
corporate behaviour in the updated Guidelines for Multinational
Enterprises: the 34 OECD countries plus Argentina, Brazil,
Egypt, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, Peru and Romania. The updated
Guidelines include new recommendations on human rights abuse and
company responsibility for their supply chains, making them the
first inter-governmental agreement in this area.<br>
<br>
The Guidelines establish that firms should respect human rights
in every country in which they operate. Companies should also
respect environmental and labour standards, for example, and
have appropriate due diligence processes in place to ensure this
happens. These include issues such as paying decent wages,
combating bribe solicitation and extortion, and the promotion of
sustainable consumption.<br>
<br>
The Guidelines are a comprehensive, non-binding code of conduct
that OECD member countries and others have agreed to promote
among the business sector. A new, tougher process for complaints
and mediation has also been put in place.<br>
<br>
“The business community shares responsibility for restoring
growth and trust in markets,” said OECD Secretary-General Angel
Gurría. “These guidelines will help the private sector grow
their businesses responsibly by promoting human rights and
boosting social development around the world.” </p>
<p><br>
Ministers from adhering countries will also agree to a
Recommendation designed to combat the illicit trade in minerals
that finance armed conflict.<br>
<br>
Illegal exploitation of natural resources in fragile African
states has been fueling conflict across the region for decades.
While data is scarce, it is estimated that up to 80% of minerals
in some of the worst-affected zones may be smuggled out. The
illegal trade stokes conflict, boosts crime and corruption,
finances international terrorism and blocks economic and social
development.<br>
<br>
The Recommendation clarifies how companies can identify and
better manage risks throughout the supply chain, from local
exporters and mineral processors to the manufacturing and
brand-name companies that use these minerals in their products.<br>
<br>
The OECD and emerging economies worked closely with business,
trade unions and non-governmental organisations to produce both
sets of guidelines.<br>
<br>
For further information or comment on <a
href="http://www.oecd.org/document/36/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_44307940_1_1_1_1,00.html">conflict
minerals</a>, journalists should contact <a target="_blank"
href="mailto:lahra.liberti@oecd.org">Lahra Liberti</a> of the
OECD’s Investment Division (tel. + 33 1 45 24 79 47).<br>
<br>
For further information or comment on the <a
href="http://www.oecd.org/document/28/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_2397532_1_1_1_1,00.html">OECD
Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises</a>, journalists
should contact <a target="_blank"
href="mailto:kathryn.gordon@oecd.org">Kathryn Gordon</a> of
the OECD’s Investment Division (tel. + 33 1 45 24 98 42).</p>
<p><br>
Read the remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton <a
target="_blank"
href="http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/05/164340.htm">here</a>
<br>
</p>
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