ICMM - International Council on Mining & Metals

PROJECTS

Business and human rights

ICMM believes that respect for human rights is a key aspect of sustainable development. One of the principles adopted by our Council of CEO’s in 2003 was that members should “uphold fundamental human rights and respect customs, cultures and values”. As an organization, we have committed to helping to advance industry good practice on human rights.

Human rights have assumed increasing prominence in discussions concerning corporate social responsibility in general, and the extractives sector in particular.

In April 2005, Professor John Ruggie was appointed Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary-General on the issue of human rights, transnational corporations and other business enterprises (UNSRSG). His mandate was to run for two years, later extended to three and in 2008 it was renewed for another three-year term.

Following the 2008 and 2009 reports of the UNSRSG to the Human Rights Council, which placed a strong emphasis on corporate responsibility, there is widespread acceptance that companies have a duty to respect human rights.

What ICMM is doing

In 2009, ICMM published a document on 'Human Rights in the Mining & Metals Industry: Overview, Management Approach and Issues', which aims to provide an overview of the main challenges and dilemmas that companies in the mining and metals sector are often faced with. More specifically we review management approaches that member companies have applied to dealing with human rights challenges and review the main sector-specific issues.

Related guidance has recently been published on complaint mechanisms and due diligence processes.

In addition, ICMM has been granted observer status for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs), which were developed through a process of dialogue between the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States, extractive and energy sector companies, and NGOs with a common interest in human rights and corporate social responsibility. In developing the ICMM Principles, the VPs were one of a number of standards considered, and many of the core concepts are embodied in ICMM Principle 3.

Other aspects of ICMM’s work contribute in various ways to human rights understanding and outcomes. For example, our work on Indigenous Peoples seeks to build effective and constructive relationships based on respect, meaningful engagement and mutual benefit.

ICMM and the Ruggie Mandate 

ICMM’s initial work has focussed on engaging in the debate around business and human rights, and particularly on the respective roles of companies and governments. We have been interacting with the UN Special Representative since 2005 and made three submissions to UNSRSG in Ruggie’s first mandate (2005 – 2008).

ICMM has attended various consultation meetings. These have included: an extractives sector workshop in Geneva in 2005; regional workshops in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2006 and in Bogotá, Colombia in 2007; and issue specific consultations in Copenhagen (role of governments), Boston (access to remedy) and Geneva (corporate responsibility to respect) in 2008.

Following the release of the UNSRSG’s April 2008 report to the Human Rights Council – “Protect, Respect and Remedy: A framework for Business and Human Rights” – ICMM issued a statement in support of his recommended approach.

Further details on UNSRSG and related reports

What will our work achieve?

Through all of our efforts that relate to business and human rights, ICMM aims to develop an enhanced understanding within and capacity of members to effectively address human rights issues across their operations.