Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
Global Witness investigates and campaigns to prevent natural resource-related conflict and corruption.
Watch a video about our work
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 releaseDiamonds, a warlord and a supermodel
Global Witness attended the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague for the testimony of supermodel Naomi Campbell. The event offered a useful reminder of the role of natural resources in funding conflict, and of the importance of pursuing justice for the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Read the press releaseGlobal Witness stands by Sudan oil findings
Global Witness has refuted claims that it retracted concerns over the lack of transparency in Sudan's oil sector. Recent commitments from the Government of National Unity (GoNU) to improve accountability are welcome, but full disclosure of oil revenue data and an independent audit remain necessary to prove the concerns unfounded
Read press releaseLandmark 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.
Read press release
24 August 2010
Global Witness welcomes Norwegian government disinvestment from predatory loggers Samling
Global Witness welcomes the Norwegian Government Pension Fund's decision to disinvest from the notorious Malaysian timber giant Samling. Global Witness has previously exposed illegal logging by Samling in Cambodia as well as evidence of legal breaches by two Samling-associated companies in Liberia.
12 August 2010
UNESCO executive should cancel Obiang Prize at October Meeting
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization should cancel the Obiang Prize at its next session in October 2010, Global Witness and 95 partner groups said in a letter sent to UNESCO Executive Board members today.
04 August 2010
Global Witness applauds RBS penalty over terrorist financing
Global Witness welcomes the decisive action taken by the UK financial regulator, the FSA, which has fined the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) £5.6 million for failing to check whether its customers were on the UK terrorist sanctions list.
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.
