In our globalized economy, transnational corporations and governments work to dismantle barriers to trade so that commodities, data and money can flow more or less unfettered around the world. This system profits and promotes the interests of businesses in the Global North and elites in developing or newly industrialized countries. At the other end of the supply chain, however, millions of people in the Global South do not fare so well. Inherently unjust power imbalances in the globalized economic system result in recurring human rights violations. Many human rights abuses are attributable to transnational companies or their overseas subsidiaries and suppliers. ECCHR aims to use legal interventions to help break down unjust economic, social, political and legal power relations around the world. We are, however, aware of the obstacles facing victims when they take on foreign corporations to enforce their rights. But going to court is not the only option. In some cases, lodging complaints with UN bodies or other international or national institutions can be more useful than lawsuits or criminal complaints – crucial are the political, economic and social circumstances.
Cases (27)
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Pakistan – Supply chains – KiK
Systematic violations of labour rights in Pakistani garment factories
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South America – Agro-Industry – Bayer
OECD complaint against Bayer's agricultural model in Latin America
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Yemen – Arms exports – Germany
The deadly normality of the arms trade
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Guatemala – Supermärkte – Supply chains
Is Edeka deceiving consumers with its sustainability seal?
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Ecuador – Supply chains – Supermärkte
Edeka and Rewe violate supply chain law
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China – Supply chains – Forced labor
German economic engine roars thanks to forced labor: Complaint filed against VW, BMW and Mercedes Benz
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Germany – Supply chains – Rana Plaza
Ten years after Rana Plaza: Workers Submit Complaint
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India – Shrinking spaces and authoritarianism – Resource exploitation
In the name of development: Indigenous rights violations and shrinking space in Chhattisgarh
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Europe – Supply chains – Human rights and environment
Now more than ever: The EU needs a strong supply chain law
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Yemen – Arms exports – France
War crimes in Yemen: Complaint against French arms companies
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China – Forced labor – Uyghurs
Human rights violations off the rack: European brands allegedly rely on forced labor
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Mexico – Wind parks – EDF
Wind park in Mexico: French firm disregards indigenous rights
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Yemen – Arms exports – Europe
Made in Europe, bombed in Yemen
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Brazil – Dam failure – TÜV SÜD
The safety business: TÜV SÜD’s role in the Brumadinho dam failure in Brazil
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Turkey – Surveillance – FinSpy
Surveillance software "made in Germany" for Turkish authorities? Public Prosecutor’s Office charges FinFisher executives
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Brazil – Military dictatorship – Volkswagen
Volkswagen in Brazil: Automobile group collaborated with military dictatorship
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Syria – Surveillance technology – Corporate responsibility
Surveillance in Syria: European firms may be aiding and abetting crimes against humanity
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Mexico – Arms exports – Heckler & Koch
Brutal police operation in Mexico: German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch responsible
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Yemen – Arms exports – RWM Italia
European responsibility for war crimes in Yemen
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Zimbabwe – Indigenous rights – Land rights
International and national forums neglect indigenous land rights
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United Kingdom – Surveillance – Gamma/FinFisher
Gamma/FinFisher: UK rebukes German-British software company
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India – Pesticides – FAO/WHO
FAO/WHO fail to asses whether pesticide sales in India breach international standards
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India – Pesticides – Bayer
Bayer: Double standards in the sale of pesticides
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Indonesia – Pesticides – Syngenta I
Syngenta pesticides endanger farmers and plantation workers
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Syria – Armed conflict – Lafarge
Lafarge in Syria: Accusations of complicity in grave human rights violations
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Pakistan – Textile industry – KiK
KiK: Paying the price for clothing produced in South Asia
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Peru – Mining – Glencore
Mining in the Andes: Complaint and lawsuit filed against Swiss firm Glencore, Switzerland and Peru
