Tag Archives: human rights

SGS Launches Global Training Program to Equip Auditors with Enhanced Forced Labor Detection Skills

(IN BRIEF) SGS has partnered with Stronger Together to develop a training course aimed at enhancing the skills of auditors in detecting and reporting forced labor. The “Detecting and Reporting Forced Labor: Guidance for Auditing” course, now publicly available, equips … Read the full press release

TotalEnergies Publishes Third Human Rights Briefing Paper, Reaffirming Commitment to Sustainability and Transparency

(IN BRIEF) TotalEnergies has released the third edition of its Human Rights Briefing Paper as part of its dedication to prioritizing sustainability in its strategy. The paper outlines the company’s commitments to internationally recognized human rights and reference texts, such … Read the full press release

Crédit Agricole S.A. Group and UNI Global Union Strengthen Global Agreement on Employee Rights and Workplace Standards

(IN BRIEF) Crédit Agricole S.A. Group and UNI Global Union have signed a new four-year global agreement that reinforces the group’s commitments to human rights, labor rights, trade union rights, and the development of social dialogue and collective bargaining. This … Read the full press release

Russian Emigrés Amplify Pleas of “I Want You to Live” through Art

(IN BRIEF) Russian emigrants opposing war have come together in the “Art of Peace” artist residency, backed by Campaigns for Humanity. This initiative facilitates connections among conflict-affected artists, providing a platform for expressing anti-war sentiments. Notable projects include “Road Signs,” … Read the full press release

“Art Is Our Weapon”: Artists in Exile Deploy Their Talents in Support of Peace, Justice for Ukraine

Russian Anti-War Activists Unleash Creative Crusade Against War (IN BRIEF) A group of Russian activists living in exile has formed an artistic resistance movement within the Russian diaspora to oppose war. These activists, who are working artists with diverse specialties, … Read the full press release

Škoda Auto Debuts Škoda Enyaq Coupé Respectline, Emphasizing Inclusivity and Environmental Stewardship

(IN BRIEF) Škoda Auto introduces the Škoda Enyaq Coupé Respectline, a vehicle designed to celebrate diversity and promote respect for all individuals and the environment. Created collaboratively by Škoda Auto employees, the car features a unique exterior and interior design … Read the full press release

EIB Group Celebrates International Day Against Homophobia with Commitment to LGBTIQ Rights

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) on May 17 during European Diversity Month. The EIB Group reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, … Read the full press release

Barry Callebaut strengthens commitment to transparency with 100% certified or verified cocoa and ingredients target by 2030

(IN BRIEF) Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading chocolate and cocoa products manufacturer, has announced a set of refined sustainability targets for its Forever Chocolate plan. The company aims to make sustainable chocolate the norm, with targets to achieve by 2030 … Read the full press release

European Parliament Launches Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism on World Press Freedom Day

(IN BRIEF) The European Parliament has launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism on World Press Freedom Day. The prize is awarded annually to professional journalists or teams whose work promotes or defends EU principles such as human rights, … Read the full press release

Swedish engineering firm AFRY ends involvement in Myanmar hydropower projects

(IN BRIEF) AFRY, a Swedish engineering company, has decided to terminate its involvement in hydropower projects in Myanmar due to the worsening human rights situation in the country. AFRY has been working on several projects for over 20 years, aiming … Read the full press release

Former French Minister for Gender Equality joins Sanofi’s DE&I advisory council

(IN BRIEF) Sanofi has appointed Elisabeth Moreno, former French Minister for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, to its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Board for the next three years. The advisory council was created in 2022 to support Sanofi’s … Read the full press release

SEB Investment Management adopts net zero GHG emissions target by 2040 as part of new sustainability policy

(IN BRIEF) SEB Investment Management has updated its sustainability policy, adding new exclusion criteria for biodiversity. The policy focuses on five themes: climate, biodiversity, water, human rights and labour rights, and corporate governance. The fund company will not invest in … Read the full press release

Increasing cases of gender-based violence online: “We need answers at European level as soon as possible”

8 March is also a day to reflect on gender-based violence against women online (IN BRIEF) Despite the end of the pandemic, gender-based violence against women online remains a significant issue, with cases increasing by 70% during and after the … Read the full press release

CAMPAIGNS FOR HUMANITY: MARKETING AGENCY ANNOUNCES €10,000 AWARDS FOR RUSSIANS SUPPORTING UKRAINE

Digital marketing agency Renaissance3 marks one year of war in Ukraine by offering funding and technical assistance to bolster creative solutions to ongoing Russian aggression (IN BRIEF) Award-winning digital marketing agency Renaissance3 is seeking nominations for initiatives that aim to … Read the full press release

From Italy to India: Annachiara Sarto flies to Pune (the Oxford of the East) to present CRO Cyber Rights Organization and forge a partnership with one of India’s most prestigious universities

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 20-Dec-2022 — /EuropaWire/ — Annachiara Sarto, director of CRO Cyber Rights Organization, was invited to India’s most prestigious university on 13th of December to speak on Cybercrime in front of students and lecturer and to establish … Read the full press release

DNV to offer human rights due diligence services in line with EU’s Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive (CS3D)

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 8-Dec-2022 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has announced the launch of human rights due diligence services in line with EU’s Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). The new offering steps on … Read the full press release

The aluminium plant of Hydro in Argentina becomes the first in the country to get ASI-certified

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 24-Jan-2022 — /EuropaWire/ — Hydro (OTCMKTS: NHYDY), a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company committed to a sustainable future, has announced that its aluminium extrusion plant in Pilar, Argentina has become the first in the country to … Read the full press release

Yara to gradually end potash sourcing from Belarus due to the effects of sanctions on supply chain

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 10-Jan-2022 — /EuropaWire/ — Yara International ASA, a global firm specializing in agricultural products and environmental protection agents and a leading global ammonia player, has announced it will slowly end the sourcing of potash, a key ingredient … Read the full press release

Holcim: With 3 billion people expected to lack access to adequate housing by 2030, we are committed to putting our business to work to uplift our communities

Focus on bridging the world’s gap in affordable housing and infrastructure Continued commitment to improve livelihoods and uphold highest standards of human rights Strategy to create CHF 500m in social value by 2030 (PRESS RELEASE) ZUG, 22-Oct-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — … Read the full press release

Neste holds its Capital Markets Day 2021 as a webcast on 23 September 2021: strategy execution, market outlook, updated strategic targets

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 23-Sep-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — Neste (HEL: NESTE), the world’s leading provider of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel and the 4th most sustainable company in the world, has announced its Capital Markets Day 2021 held as a … Read the full press release

Ahlström Collective Impact to invest EUR 600,000 in UNICEF’s Global Education Program

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 16-Sep-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — Ahlstrom-Munksjö (HEL: AM1), a global leader in fiber-based materials, has announced that Ahlström Collective Impact (ACI), a joint responsibility initiative by a group of companies and foundations, has decided to make an investment … Read the full press release

“Responsible Lithium Partnership” established to improve natural resource management in Chile

Volkswagen Group, BASF, Daimler AG, and Fairphone fund the initiative at its inception GIZ to initiate a participatory process, inviting all relevant actors in the Salar de Atacama to work on a joint action plan Focus on protection of the … Read the full press release

“Building Healthy Relationships and Enhancing Gender Equality”: Young women from Cyprus, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan come together

Building Healthy Relationships and Enhancing Gender Equality

(PRESS RELEASE) NICOSIA, 26-Mar-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — Young women from Cyprus, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan came together in the online seminar “Building healthy relationships and enhancing gender equality” to discuss gender norms and explore tangible implications of human, gender, and … Read the full press release

Sustainability: Vattenfall ranked as top 1% among 75,000 companies assessed by EcoVadis

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 12-Feb-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — Leading European energy company Vattenfall announces that its sustainability work has earned the Platinum award, the highest rating from EcoVadis, a leading source of corporate sustainability evaluation. Vattenfall, ranked as the top 1 … Read the full press release

Iberdrola to ensure 70% of its main suppliers worldwide comply with environmental, social and governance objectives by 2022

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 29-Jan-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — Spanish multinational electric utility company Iberdrola to promote ESG criteria to its more than 22,000 suppliers worldwide, from which it makes purchases worth 20 billion euros a year. ESG criteria -environmental, social and … Read the full press release

M&S formally supports Call to Action on human rights abuses to help drive meaningful change in the Uyghur Region

Additionally, the retailer remains committed to offering customers 100% sustainably sourced cotton (PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 6-Jan-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — British multinational retailer M&S announces that it has signed the Call to Action on human rights abuses: Brand Commitment to Exit … Read the full press release

SKAGEN commits to adhere to the UN’s global framework for sustainable enterprise

(PRESS RELEASE) STAVANGER, 23-Apr-2020 — /EuropaWire/ — SKAGEN Funds signs up to the UN Global Compact, becoming a member of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. As a member, SKAGEN undertakes to adapt its operations and strategy to the UN’s … Read the full press release

Glencore: incidents and fatalities not linked to Kamoto Copper Company operations or activities in Kolwezi, DRC

Glencore: incidents and fatalities not linked to Kamoto Copper Company operations or activities in Kolwezi, DRC

(PRESS RELEASE) BAAR, 28-Jun-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — Glencore‘s subsidiary Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) is not connected to the incidents and the fatalities of illegal artisanal miners across its industrial mining concessions in the Kolwezi area, Democratic Republic of the Congo. … Read the full press release

UniCredit confirms commitment on human rights and fundamental labour rights to the highest international standards

(PRESS RELEASE) MILAN, 23-Jan-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — UniCredit today announced the signing of a Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with UNI Global Union [1]. The agreement will strengthen the dialogue between the two parties on human rights and fundamental labour rights and confirms … Read the full press release

Vattenfall ranked “Leader” by Sustainalyctis, an improvement from last year’s ranking – where the company was rated as “outperformer”

STOCKHOLM, 18-Dec-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — In parallel to being assessed for their financial and business performance, companies are to an increasing extent, also rated for their sustainability performance. The environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria is a set of standards … Read the full press release

OSCE-supported conference on the occasion of International Human Rights Day in Podgorica, Montenegro

PODGORICA, Montenegro, 12-Dec-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Strong democracy and good governance are necessary prerequisites to ensure adequate protection of human rights, affirmed participants in an OSCE-supported conference held on the occasion of International Human Rights Day on 10 December in … Read the full press release

FIGO: rights-based advocacy to end Violence Against Women (VAW)

Violence Against Women (VAW) is a global issue, a public health issue and a human rights issue that violates autonomy and hinders development. It is wholly incompatible with FIGO’s vision of a world where women achieve the highest possible standards … Read the full press release

BP, Equinor, Total and Shell join forces to create an industry framework for human rights supplier assessments

The HAGUE, 25-Sep-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Participating companies recognise the importance of working with suppliers that respect human rights, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), … Read the full press release

Human rights campaigner Shami Chakrabarti will take part in the York Festival of Ideas 2018

Leading human rights campaigner and Shadow Attorney General, Shami Chakrabarti, will take part in the York Festival of Ideas 2018, discussing why women still need equality in the 21st century. YORK, 30-Mar-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Shami was the Director of … Read the full press release

SGS releases its its ninth annual Sustainability Report: 17.8% decrease of greenhouse gas emissions since 2014

SGS today publishes its ninth annual Sustainability Report. This report is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) G4 reporting framework at “Comprehensive” level, and it provides a detailed account of our sustainability approach. GENEVA, 19-Mar-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — For the … Read the full press release

Solidaridad calls on all companies that purchase gold to source verified responsible gold

Utrecht, Netherlands, 12-Feb-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — The report “The Hidden Cost of Jewellery” by Human Rights Watch (HRW) clearly demonstrates that the world’s largest jewellery brands have collectively taken limited steps to implement responsible sourcing practices for their gold. The … Read the full press release

Norges Bank to exclude nine companies from the Government Pension Fund Global

OSLO, 17-Jan-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Norges Bank has decided to exclude nine companies from the Government Pension Fund Global. In addition, one company has been placed under observation. The companies Evergreen Marine Corp (Taiwan) Ltd, Korea Line Corp, Precious Shipping PCL … Read the full press release

OSCE: Ukrainian children trained on human rights principles in Odesa, 19 – 20 Nov 2015

KYIV, 24-11-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — More than 50 school children from all over Ukraine were trained on human rights principles, from 19 to 20 November 2015 in Odesa, during the events organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and the Office … Read the full press release

The EU Parliament’s public health committee and human rights subcommittee held workshop dedicated to organ harvesting in China

The demand for organs far outstrips what is available, leading to illegal trafficking in organs all over the world. With Europeans travelling to other countries to receive one of these illegally harvested organs, it also forms a challenge for the … Read the full press release

EY released its 2013 report on how it is upholding the UNGC principles of labor, human rights, environment and anti-corruption

London, 13-3-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — EY is proud of its membership of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC); and today shares its communication of progress report for 2013: Our vision, values and impact. The report provides examples of how EY is upholding the … Read the full press release