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ICMM welcomes report by Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on business and human rights

ICMM welcomes report by Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on business and human rights

Published 06-12-08

Submitted by International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

- June 12, 2008 - The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) welcomes the third report of Professor John Ruggie, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) on business and human rights. ICMM applauds his efforts to bring clarity and consensus to the complex debate around the roles and responsibilities of business with respect to human rights.

The Protect, Respect and Remedy framework set out in the Special Representative's report clearly distinguishes between the distinctive roles of states and corporations. It brings definition to the responsibility of states to protect human rights, and of businesses to respect them, while highlighting the key role of access to remedies.

In this regard, the report's focus on "defining the specific responsibilities of companies in relation to all rights" as opposed to "defining a limited list of rights linked to imprecise and expansive responsibilities" is persuasive. The deconstruction of spheres of influence into the related but distinct aspects of impact and leverage is also a welcome contribution to the debate.

The focus on grievance mechanisms at the corporate level is also welcome. ICMM is strongly supportive of effective corporate level grievance mechanisms and the six inter-related attributes of effective grievance mechanisms outlined in the SRSG's report are valuable touchstones against which companies can benchmark their own grievance mechanisms.

ICMM fully supports the endorsement of the Special Representative's report by the United Nations Human Rights Council and looks forward to engaging with him on a renewed mandate. ICMM is committed to identifying and spreading best practice around human rights issues including such areas as human rights impact assessments and grievance procedures, and will be discussing the implications of the Special Representative’s report for the mining sector.

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) logo

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

ICMM is a CEO-led industry group that addresses key priorities and emerging issues within the sector. It seeks to play a leading role by promoting good practice and improved performance internationally and across different commodities.

ICMM provides a platform for industry and other key stakeholders to share challenges and develop solutions based on sound science and the principles of sustainable development. Its vision is for a respected mining and metals industry that is widely recognized as essential for society and as a key contributor to sustainable development.

ICMM's mission is two-fold - to distinguish its members as industry leaders and to make a contribution to raising standards across the industry as a whole.

To be an ICMM member, a company must build trust and respect with key stakeholders as a result of good performance in sustainable development, including clear and comprehensive approaches to reporting and assurance.

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