India Committee of the Netherlands
+++ In solidarity with the oppressed in India +++
CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY - DOSSIER ADVOCACY
Jan 11, 2019:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Nov 27, 2018) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
(subm. Nov 27, 2018) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
Nov 27, 2018:
Parliamentary Questions by Member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
Jun 26, 2018:
Answers to Questions MEP Peter van Dalen (ChristianUnion)
(subm. Mar 27, 2018) to the European Commission on tackling modern slavery of migrants in Bangalore's garment industry
(subm. Mar 27, 2018) to the European Commission on tackling modern slavery of migrants in Bangalore's garment industry
Mar 27, 2018:
Questions MEP Peter van Dalen (ChristianUnion)
to the European Commission on tackling modern slavery of migrants in Bangalore's garment industry
to the European Commission on tackling modern slavery of migrants in Bangalore's garment industry
Feb 27, 2018:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Member Alkaya (Socialist Party)
(subm. Jan 31, 2018) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses in the Indian garment industry
(subm. Jan 31, 2018) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses in the Indian garment industry
Feb 21, 2018:
Answer to Supplementary questions by MEP Anne-Marie Mineur (GUE/NGL)
(subm. Dec 11, 2017) to the European Commission on working conditions in granite quarries in India
(subm. Dec 11, 2017) to the European Commission on working conditions in granite quarries in India
Jan 31, 2018:
Parliamentary Questions by Member Alkaya (Socialist Party) :
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses in the Indian garment industry
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses in the Indian garment industry
Dec 11, 2017:
Supplementary questions by MEP Anne-Marie Mineur (GUE/NGL)
to the European Commission on working conditions in granite quarries in India
to the European Commission on working conditions in granite quarries in India
Nov 27, 2017:
Answer to written question MEP Anne-Marie Mineur (GUE/NGL)
(subm. Aug 30, 2017) to the European Commission about the research report by the India Committee of the Netherlands and Stop Child Labour on conditions in Indian granite quarries
(subm. Aug 30, 2017) to the European Commission about the research report by the India Committee of the Netherlands and Stop Child Labour on conditions in Indian granite quarries
Oct 30, 2017:
Answer to written question MEP Judith Sargentini (Verts/ALE)
(subm. Aug 31, 2017) to the European Commission about the call for due diligence in response to abuses in the granite industry
(subm. Aug 31, 2017) to the European Commission about the call for due diligence in response to abuses in the granite industry
Oct 19, 2017:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by the member Hijink (Socialist Party) :
(subm. Sep 4, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the news that granite is being quarried by children's hands
(subm. Sep 4, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the news that granite is being quarried by children's hands
Oct 19, 2017:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by the members Sazias and Van Brenk (both 50PLUS) :
(subm. Aug 29, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations and tyhe Minister of Social Affairs and Employment on the research The Dark Sites of Granite
(subm. Aug 29, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations and tyhe Minister of Social Affairs and Employment on the research The Dark Sites of Granite
Oct 19, 2017:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Van den Hul (Labour Party) and Diks (GreenLeft) :
(subm. Aug 25, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment on modern slavery, child labour and unsafe and unhealthy work in Indian granite quarries that supply Dutch and European markets
(subm. Aug 25, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment on modern slavery, child labour and unsafe and unhealthy work in Indian granite quarries that supply Dutch and European markets
Sep 4, 2017:
Parliamentary Questions by the member Hijink (Socialist Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the news that granite is being quarried by children's hands
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the news that granite is being quarried by children's hands
Aug 31, 2017:
Parliamentary questions by MEP Judith Sargentini (Verts/ALE) :
subject: Call for due diligence in response to abuses in the granite industry
subject: Call for due diligence in response to abuses in the granite industry
Aug 30, 2017:
Parliamentary questions by MEP Anne-Marie Mineur (GUE/NGL) :
subject: Research report by India Committee of the Netherlands and Stop Child Labour on conditions in Indian granite quarries
subject: Research report by India Committee of the Netherlands and Stop Child Labour on conditions in Indian granite quarries
Aug 29, 2017:
Parliamentary Questions by the members Sazias and Van Brenk (both 50PLUS) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment on the research The Dark Sites of Granite
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment on the research The Dark Sites of Granite
Aug 25, 2017:
Parliamentary questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Van den Hul (Labour Party) and Diks (GreenLeft) :
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment on modern slavery, child labour and unsafe and unhealthy work in Indian granite quarries that supply Dutch and European markets
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment on modern slavery, child labour and unsafe and unhealthy work in Indian granite quarries that supply Dutch and European markets
Apr 27, 2017:
Joint Letter to the European Commission: High Time to Impose Transparency in the Garment Supply Chain (Human Rights Watch):
Poor working conditions and workers' rights violations are a distinguishing feature of the garment industry. Indeed, over the last decades they have been a pervasive part of this industry's operations across the globe. In addition, the garment industry is characterized by complex and opaque chains of production and responsibility that include many actors at different levels playing a role in production. The lack of public data on the garment supply chain has been a strong barrier to the improvement of working conditions and to securing respect for human rights.
Poor working conditions and workers' rights violations are a distinguishing feature of the garment industry. Indeed, over the last decades they have been a pervasive part of this industry's operations across the globe. In addition, the garment industry is characterized by complex and opaque chains of production and responsibility that include many actors at different levels playing a role in production. The lack of public data on the garment supply chain has been a strong barrier to the improvement of working conditions and to securing respect for human rights.
Apr 24, 2017:
An open letter to the European Commission: transparency in the garment supply chain (Labour Behind The Label):
Poor working conditions and workers’ rights violations are a distinguishing feature of the garment industry. Indeed, over the last decades they have been a pervasive part of this industry’s operations across the globe. In addition, the garment industry is characterized by complex and opaque chains of production and responsibility that include many actors at different levels playing a role in production. The lack of public data on the garment supply chain has been a strong barrier to the improvement of working conditions and to securing respect for human rights.
Poor working conditions and workers’ rights violations are a distinguishing feature of the garment industry. Indeed, over the last decades they have been a pervasive part of this industry’s operations across the globe. In addition, the garment industry is characterized by complex and opaque chains of production and responsibility that include many actors at different levels playing a role in production. The lack of public data on the garment supply chain has been a strong barrier to the improvement of working conditions and to securing respect for human rights.
Feb 16, 2017:
10,000 signatures for living wage handed over to Minister Ploumen: Consumer fed up with starvation wages in garment industry (press release CCC/ICN):
Thousands of Dutch consumers want Minister Ploumen [of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation] to provide a living wage for garment workers. Through a petition of Clean Clothes Campaign and the India Committee of the Netherlands 10,734 Dutch people call on Ploumen to do so.
Thousands of Dutch consumers want Minister Ploumen [of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation] to provide a living wage for garment workers. Through a petition of Clean Clothes Campaign and the India Committee of the Netherlands 10,734 Dutch people call on Ploumen to do so.
Feb 16, 2017:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Jan 31, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
(subm. Jan 31, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
Feb 8, 2017:
Child Labour Due Diligence Law for companies adopted by Dutch Parliament (ICN)
On February 7, 2017 the Child Labour Due Diligence Law [‘Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid’], initiated by member Van Laar (Labour Party), was adopted by the Dutch Parliament, with 82 votes (of 150 MPs) in favour. The parties CDA (Christian Democrats), VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) and PVV (Party for Freedom) voted against. The law requires companies to examine whether child labour occurs in their production chain. If that is the case they should develop a plan of action to combat child labour and draw up a declaration about their investigation and plan of action. That statement will be recorded in a public register by a yet to be designated public authority.
On February 7, 2017 the Child Labour Due Diligence Law [‘Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid’], initiated by member Van Laar (Labour Party), was adopted by the Dutch Parliament, with 82 votes (of 150 MPs) in favour. The parties CDA (Christian Democrats), VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) and PVV (Party for Freedom) voted against. The law requires companies to examine whether child labour occurs in their production chain. If that is the case they should develop a plan of action to combat child labour and draw up a declaration about their investigation and plan of action. That statement will be recorded in a public register by a yet to be designated public authority.
Jan 31, 2017:
Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
Jan 25, 2017:
Motion members Servaes (Labour Party) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
requesting the government to prepare 'legislation aimed at combating forced labour and modern slavery'
requesting the government to prepare 'legislation aimed at combating forced labour and modern slavery'
Jan 25, 2017:
Motion members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) en Servaes (Labour Party)
on the relationship of low wages, child labour and school dropouts in the garment industry of Bangladesh, in response to the report Branded Childhood
on the relationship of low wages, child labour and school dropouts in the garment industry of Bangladesh, in response to the report Branded Childhood
Jan 18, 2017:
Written questions European Parliament :
on Slavery in Indian factories
on Slavery in Indian factories
Jan 16, 2017:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Members Van Laar (Labour Party), Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Dijkgraaf (Reformed Political Party) :
(subm. Dec 28, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
(subm. Dec 28, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
2016
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Dec 28, 2016:
Parliamentary Questions by Members Van Laar (Labour Party), Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Dijkgraaf (Reformed Political Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
Nov 7, 2016:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by the member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Oct 11, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses at Indian tea plantations
(subm. Oct 11, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses at Indian tea plantations
Oct 26, 2016:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Grashoff (GreenLeft) :
(subm. Oct 5, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on starvation wages and extremely poor working conditions at Indian suppliers to Dutch clothing brands
(subm. Oct 5, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on starvation wages and extremely poor working conditions at Indian suppliers to Dutch clothing brands
Oct 26, 2016:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by member Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Oct 3, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the exploitation of Indian workers by Dutch garment companies
(subm. Oct 3, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the exploitation of Indian workers by Dutch garment companies
Sep 29, 2016:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by Member Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) :
(subm. Sep 29, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the fact that Dutch companies are having garments produced in India below the minimum wage
(subm. Sep 29, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the fact that Dutch companies are having garments produced in India below the minimum wage
Oct 11, 2016:
Parliamentary questions by the member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses at Indian tea plantations
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on abuses at Indian tea plantations
Oct 5, 2016:
Parliamentary questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Grashoff (GreenLeft) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on starvation wages and extremely poor working conditions at Indian suppliers to Dutch clothing brands
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on starvation wages and extremely poor working conditions at Indian suppliers to Dutch clothing brands
Oct 3, 2016:
Parliamentary questions by member Van Laar (Labour Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the exploitation of Indian workers by Dutch garment companies
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the exploitation of Indian workers by Dutch garment companies
Sep 29, 2016:
Parliamentary questions by Member Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the fact that Dutch companies are having garments produced in India below the minimum wage
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the fact that Dutch companies are having garments produced in India below the minimum wage
Sep 30, 2016:
Public Procurement and Human Rights in the Netherlands: the case of natural stone (International Learning Lab on Public Procurement and Human Rights):
Sandstone and granite are used for paving public spaces like streets and squares and for tiling walls and floors in public buildings like office blocks, train stations and airports. This makes public authorities important consumers of natural stone. Despite sustainable procurement policies, governments often opt for the cheapest stone, not taking into account human rights and environmental impacts in production countries.
Sandstone and granite are used for paving public spaces like streets and squares and for tiling walls and floors in public buildings like office blocks, train stations and airports. This makes public authorities important consumers of natural stone. Despite sustainable procurement policies, governments often opt for the cheapest stone, not taking into account human rights and environmental impacts in production countries.
May 25, 2016:
SDGs: are we Ready for Change? (Partos):
According to the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should focus on the ‘poorest of the poor’ and assessments of the impact of all new policy measures on the SDGs should be undertaken. These are but a few of the take-aways of the Ready for Change? conference, which was held on 19 May 2016 in Science Center NEMO in Amsterdam. After the presentation of the Ready for Change? publication, the implementation of the goals was discussed by an expert panel. Eight different SDG themes were tackled during the afternoon workshop programme, after which the conference was closed by an interview on the political dimension of the SDGs.
According to the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should focus on the ‘poorest of the poor’ and assessments of the impact of all new policy measures on the SDGs should be undertaken. These are but a few of the take-aways of the Ready for Change? conference, which was held on 19 May 2016 in Science Center NEMO in Amsterdam. After the presentation of the Ready for Change? publication, the implementation of the goals was discussed by an expert panel. Eight different SDG themes were tackled during the afternoon workshop programme, after which the conference was closed by an interview on the political dimension of the SDGs.
May 23, 2016:
Come into action now or new legislation will be introduced (Stop Child Labour):
"I would prefer to support and facilitate, but I am not afraid to introduce new legislation."
These are the words of Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen. She gave a speech in Brussels on 25 April 2016 at the EU High-level Conference on Responsible Management of the Supply Chain in the Garment Sector. She is referring to the collective and voluntary Covenant for Textile and Clothing. This is a Dutch initiative to improve the entire sector. This Covenant was agreed upon in March 2016 by garment sector organisations, trade unions, the national government and civil society organisations, including Stop Child Labour and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN).
"I would prefer to support and facilitate, but I am not afraid to introduce new legislation."
These are the words of Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen. She gave a speech in Brussels on 25 April 2016 at the EU High-level Conference on Responsible Management of the Supply Chain in the Garment Sector. She is referring to the collective and voluntary Covenant for Textile and Clothing. This is a Dutch initiative to improve the entire sector. This Covenant was agreed upon in March 2016 by garment sector organisations, trade unions, the national government and civil society organisations, including Stop Child Labour and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN).
2015
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Dec 18, 2015:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Members Van Laar (Labour Party) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Nov 26, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch and in the Netherlands operating seed companies active in India
(subm. Nov 26, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch and in the Netherlands operating seed companies active in India
Sep 11, 2015:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by member Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Jul 29, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation about half a million children working in the cotton seed production
(subm. Jul 29, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation about half a million children working in the cotton seed production
Jun 4, 2015:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. May 19, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
(subm. May 19, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
May 19, 2015:
Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
May 4, 2015:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Van der Staaij (Political Reformed Party) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Apr 20, 2015) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on modern slavery and child labour in the garment industry in India
(subm. Apr 20, 2015) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on modern slavery and child labour in the garment industry in India
2014
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2013
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Aug 8, 2013:
Dutch Minister Ploumen: Eradicate child labour and low wages in Indian seed sector 'as soon as possible' (Stop Child Labour):
The Dutch government wants child labour and low wages in the seed production in India "to be eliminated as soon as possible". That is what Dutch Minister Ploumen of Trade and Development Co-operation answered in response to parliamentary questions from Members of Parliament ChristianUnion, Party for the Animals, Socialist Party and 50Plus. She made an agreement on that with the Dutch seed companies Bejo Seeds and Nunhems, as well as with trade association Plantum. The India Committee of the Netherlands and the Stop Child Labour campaign welcome this agreement. Minister Ploumen will visit India beginning of September. CSR will be an important part of her mission.
The Dutch government wants child labour and low wages in the seed production in India "to be eliminated as soon as possible". That is what Dutch Minister Ploumen of Trade and Development Co-operation answered in response to parliamentary questions from Members of Parliament ChristianUnion, Party for the Animals, Socialist Party and 50Plus. She made an agreement on that with the Dutch seed companies Bejo Seeds and Nunhems, as well as with trade association Plantum. The India Committee of the Netherlands and the Stop Child Labour campaign welcome this agreement. Minister Ploumen will visit India beginning of September. CSR will be an important part of her mission.
Aug 8, 2013:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Thieme
(Party for the Animals), Krol (50Plus) and Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) :
(subm. Jul 15, 2013) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
(subm. Jul 15, 2013) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
Jul 15, 2013:
Parliamentary Questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Thieme (Party for the Animals), Krol (50Plus) and Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
2012
up
May 9, 2012:
Motion passed in Dutch Parliament on full supply chain transparency in India's garment industry, following report highlighting Dalits in bonded labour (IDSN):
A Motion in the Dutch Parliament on full supply chain transparency in the garment industry in India has been adopted in the wake of the report Maid in India by SOMO and the India Committee of the Netherlands.
A Motion in the Dutch Parliament on full supply chain transparency in the garment industry in India has been adopted in the wake of the report Maid in India by SOMO and the India Committee of the Netherlands.
2012
up
Oct 9, 2012:
Questions by MEP Peter van Dalen (Christian Union)
to the President of the European Council on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production in EU-based companies (follow-up to questions Jun 14, 2012)
to the President of the European Council on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production in EU-based companies (follow-up to questions Jun 14, 2012)
Aug 8, 2012:
Answer to Questions by MEPs Peter van Dalen (ECR), Thijs Berman (S&D) and Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)
(subm. Jun 12, 2012) to the European Commission on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production of EU-based companies
(subm. Jun 12, 2012) to the European Commission on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production of EU-based companies
Apr 25, 2012:
Motion Dutch Parliament
on full supply-chain transparency and the eradication of child labour in the textile chain
on full supply-chain transparency and the eradication of child labour in the textile chain
Jun 24, 2011:
Exploitation in Indian clothing industry: Politicians and the business community see the need to tackle the clothing industry (SOMO):
The report 'Captured by Cotton' by SOMO and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) was recently published, looking at South Indian girls and young women who are making our clothing in wretched conditions. This evoked responses from businesses and politicians, and was given a great deal of media coverage. For example, Ferrier (Member of Parliament, CDA) asked Minister Bleker what he was going to do about it. Bleker promised to address the issue during his trade mission to India, and to initiate discussions with C&A. The Fair Wear Foundation and the Dutch textile sector expressed their intention to tackle, and continue to tackle, this situation. Furthermore, various companies have acknowledged the issue and are working together with interested parties on an improvement plan. SOMO and LIW will be following up on concrete developments in this area.
The report 'Captured by Cotton' by SOMO and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) was recently published, looking at South Indian girls and young women who are making our clothing in wretched conditions. This evoked responses from businesses and politicians, and was given a great deal of media coverage. For example, Ferrier (Member of Parliament, CDA) asked Minister Bleker what he was going to do about it. Bleker promised to address the issue during his trade mission to India, and to initiate discussions with C&A. The Fair Wear Foundation and the Dutch textile sector expressed their intention to tackle, and continue to tackle, this situation. Furthermore, various companies have acknowledged the issue and are working together with interested parties on an improvement plan. SOMO and LIW will be following up on concrete developments in this area.
2011
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2010
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Jun 30, 2010:
Open letter ICN et al. to the ILO (ICN/MV Foundation/Dakshini Rajasthan Majdoor/ILRF/Stop Child Labour)
on child and exploited adult labour in the Indian seed industry
on child and exploited adult labour in the Indian seed industry
Jun 21, 2010:
Parliamentary Questions by members Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the involvement of Advanta and Bejo Zaden in child labour in India
to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the involvement of Advanta and Bejo Zaden in child labour in India
2009
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Motions by Member of Parliament Voordewind cs.
concerning education and child labour in India
concerning education and child labour in India
Jan 31, 2006:
Answers to Parliamentary questions MEP Van den Berg (PvdA)
on multinationals and child slavery
on multinationals and child slavery
Nov 28, 2005:
Parliamentary questions MEP Van den Berg (PvdA)
on multinationals and child slavery
on multinationals and child slavery
Nov 25, 2005:
Answers to Questions of Members Tjon-A-Ten and Douma (Labour Party) :
(subm. Nov 3, 2005) to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the violation of the rights of adults and children by multinationals
(subm. Nov 3, 2005) to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the violation of the rights of adults and children by multinationals
I.v.m. vernieuwing website wordt deze lijst pas binnenkort verder aangevuld....
Motion Dutch Parliament on full supply-chain transparency and the eradication of child labour in the textile chain
(April 25, 2012).
Child Labour, Trade Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility: What the European Union should do (June 2008).
The ISO Working Group on Social Responsibility: Developing the future ISO SR 26000 Standard: briefing paper (March 2007).
Bridging Worlds: report of a seminar organised by HOM for Business, Government representatives and NGOs to discuss the gap between the worlds of profit and human rights (Dec 7, 2006).
EU-India Resolution (May 31, 2006).
Letter NGOs (May 18, 2006) to UN Representative on Business and Human Rights, John Ruggie, and answer to this letter (May 22, 2006).
Answers European Commission (January 31, 2006) to questions Van den Berg (PvdA) on multinationals and child slavery (November 28, 2005).
The Ambedkar Principles: Employment and additional principles on economic and social exclusion formulated to assist all foreign investors in South Asia to address caste discrimination (January 1, 2006).
Answers to Questions of members Dutch parliament about the violation of the rights of adults and children by multinationals (November 3, 2005).
Letter of ABN AMRO to India Committee of the Netherlands concerning the engagement between ABN AMRO and mining corporation Vedanta (August 1, 2005).
Letter of India Committee of the Netherlands to ABN AMRO concerning the engagement between ABN AMRO and mining corporation Vedanta (January 21, 2005).
Reservations for Dalits as CSR? (OneWorld South Asia, November 2004).
A call for globally accountable business: recommendations from southern representatives to the EU for globally accountable business (CSR Worldwide Week, 3 - 10 November, 2004).
The EU Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, Maastricht, 9 November 2004: speech by C.E.G. van Gennip, Minister for Foreign Trade.
Manifesto 'Principled Profits' - Guidelines for responsible business behaviour: During the Spring of 2001, the Dutch government and parliament will discuss the public responsibility of Dutch companies. This manifesto addresses the issue of responsible business behaviour by Dutch companies outside the Netherlands. It reflects the views of non-governmental organisations promoting sustainable development and defending worker rights and human rights.
Report of the international IRENE seminar on corporate liability and workers' rights held at the University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom, 20 and 21 March 2000: 'Controlling Corporate Wrongs: The Liability of Multinational Corporations - Legal possibilities, initiatives and strategies for civil society'.
Contribution to a seminar in New Delhi (November 1995) on social clause in trade agreements: 'The social clause as a global bottom-line'.
