Factsheet, June 2023
Document based on the detailed case study „Engagement bewEISEN – Menschenrechts- und Umweltschutz in Eisenerz- Lieferketten“, looking at the importance of iron ore to the Austrian economy.
Published in June 2022 by Clínica de Direitos Humanos da Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais, ÖFSE and DKA.
Focusing on the case of imports from the “Iron Quadrangle” region in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, this paper demonstrates how iron ore mines are having dramatic – and in some cases catastrophic – ecological and social consequences for local communities.
In order to be able to provide an effective response to the problems and abuses in iron ore value chains, special attention must be paid to elements of the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive currently negotiated by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe as part of the so-called trilogue process.
The following recommendations are made to EU policy makers:
- Create transparency
- Encompass complete value chains
- Give industry, multi-stakeholder and certification initiatives their proper place
- Enable affected people to access justice
- Give high priority to the protection of children and their rights
- Involve stakeholders and interest groups
Read the full document for details.
Contact: Herbert Wasserbauer, DKA.
DKA is a member of KOO, CIDSE’s Austrian member organisation.
Credit photo: Isis Medeiro