Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
Global Witness investigates and campaigns to prevent natural resource-related conflict and corruption.
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Global Witness takes UK government to court
Global Witness has applied to the UK High Court for a judicial review of the Government's failure to investigate a number of British companies and individuals known to have been trading in minerals sourced from war-torn eastern Congo. The entities should have been put forward for sanctions following UN resolutions in 2008 and 2009.
Read the press releaseDo No Harm: A guide for companies
Companies sourcing minerals and metals from conflict zones have a responsibility to ensure that they are not directly or indirectly funding human rights abuses or other crimes. Some companies claim that it is too complicated or too difficult for them to do. Global Witness has produced a guide, outlining the steps they must take.
Read the reportKazakh company a risk to FTSE 100 investors
Kazakh copper mining company Kazakhmys plc failed to declare potentially key information about its directors when it listed on the London Stock Exchange. This leaves UK investors and pension-holders in the dark about the risks they may face, and raises serious questions over lax regulation of the LSE (photo credit: LSE website).
Read the reportLandmark US bill will help fight corruption
Global Witness strongly welcomes the passing of the US Financial Reform Bill by the Senate on Thursday. The new Act includes a range of measures which will help to lift the curse of corruption and conflict from poor countries that are rich in oil and minerals by promoting greater public oversight and responsible trading practices.
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15 July 2010
Letter on civil society participation in climate change and deforestation talks
Global Witness has signed a letter along with 39 other organisations complaining about the short notice given to civil society groups regarding participation in a meeting of the Interim REDD+ Partnership in Brasilia from 14-15 July. The non-transparent process and restrictions on participation violate the spirit and letter of the agreement and represent a serious false start.
15 July 2010
U.S. passes landmark reforms on resource transparency
Global Witness strongly welcomes a ground-breaking new bill, passed by the U.S. Senate today, which will help to lift the curse of corruption and conflict from poor countries that are rich in oil and minerals by promoting greater public oversight and responsible trading practices.
15 July 2010
Crisis averted by last-minute deal on Zimbabwe diamonds, but campaigners warn that biggest test lies ahead
A deal reached by the Kimberley Process diamond certification scheme could pave the way for reinforced oversight of diamond production in Zimbabwe, while allowing for limited exports. The deal is far from perfect and its success or otherwise will be determined by what the main players do next.
14 July 2010
Renewing the Pledge: Re-Engaging the Guarantors to the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement
With six months until a referendum on Southern independence, Sudan is alarmingly unprepared. Renewing the Pledge is published by a coalition of 26 NGOs, including Global Witness from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the US. The report calls calls for urgent action from African heads of state who will meet shortly at a major summit of the African Union in Uganda from 19 – 27 July.
