Established in 1973, the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) is a not for profit Dutch research and advisory bureau. SOMO investigates the consequences of Multinational Enterprises' (MNEs) policies and the internationalisation of business worldwide.
Short News
New issue EU Financial Reforms newsletter
14-10-2010
A new issue of the Newsletter on EU Financial Reforms provides you with the necessary background in time before the EU Council of Ministers meet on 19 October 2010, which will be preparing for the G20 meetings of the G20 Ministers of finance on 22-23 October and the G20 Summit on 11-12 November.
Local voices must be heard
13-10-2010
In the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) violent conflict continues to cause immense suffering for local people. At the same time tin, coltan, wolframite and gold, helping to fuel the conflict, find their way into our mobile phones and computers. Electronics companies and other actors are active to curb the link between the conflict and the mineral trade. The today published makeITfair report shows that these efforts are very necessary, however it also highlights that local organisations feel they are not involved properly and they do not want the situation to lead to a boycott.
Foxconn suicides forgotten, back to business as usual? New SACOM report released.
11-10-2010
Today, Hong Kong labour rights organisation SACOM is releasing an investigative report, entitled ‘Workers as Machines; Military Management in Foxconn’. Between January and August 2010, 17 Foxconn workers attempted to commit suicide - resulting in the death of 13 young people. The new report makes clear that thus far Foxconn and its high-profile customers including Apple, HP, and Dell have failed to effectively and transparently address underlying labour issues at the Foxconn production facilities. In a joint press statement, GoodElectronics, SACOM, Bread for All, makeITfair and the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) urge the electronics industry to show leadership by taking responsibility for decent labour standards for the workers in the global electronics supply chain. Reforming buying practices would be a first urgent step.
Open Letter to Nokia at the occasion of Nokia's human rights summit
28-09-2010
At the occasion of the Nokia human rights summit on 29 and 30 September 2010 in Helsinki, the GoodElectronics Network and makeITfair are publishing an Open Letter to Nokia. Nokia specifically puts ‘living wage’ and ‘special economic zones’ on the agenda. GoodElectronics and makeITfair agree these are important topics; but feel that these should be looked at in connection with other social and economic issues. The letter suggests a number of important issues for Nokia to take action on.
Speakers tour and petition Procure IT Fair
23-09-2010
Sustainable procurement of IT hardware is one of the tools to improve working conditions, human rights and environmental protection in the global electronics supply chain. Because public institutions, such as universities and technical colleges, can make a difference, the European campaign Procure IT Fair started a petition which targets these institutions and their procurement. They also invited Pathma Krishnan from the Malaysian NGO Monitoring Sustainability of Globalization to travel throughout Germany, Spain and the Netherlands from 10 to 22 October 2010 and share her practical experience.
