PETITION: Tackle the deadly trade in conflict minerals!

The EU has a landmark opportunity to ensure that companies bringing minerals into Europe check their supply chains, to make sure that the minerals they buy from fragile and conflict areas don’t fund violence. Sign the petition to make sure the UK supports strong and binding regulation!

 

The extraction and trade of raw materials contained in our consumer goods is often linked to human rights violations, and the financing of armed conflicts around the globe.

In a huge step forward, members of the European Parliament voted on 20 May for a strong and binding law that would require companies bringing gold, tantalum, tin and tungsten (3TG) into the EU — in any form — to source them responsibly. These raw materials are mined in conflict-affected areas of the DRC, Central African Republic and Colombia, but also in other conflict-affected and high-risk areas worldwide. They make their way into the phones, laptops and cars we buy every day.

Right now, the EU’s Member States are considering the European Parliament’s proposed law. They will soon agree a common position, before entering into negotiations on the final text.

Member States must match the Parliament’s commitment to responsible sourcing, by supporting binding requirements that could have a real and positive impact on the trade in minerals, and on the violence and harm associated with mining in some of the world’s poorest areas.

Thus far, the UK has not supported a binding regulation to tackle the conflict minerals trade. Add your name to those calling for the UK to get behind this critical piece of legislation.

*** Please note that the petition has been handed in on 5th April – reaching almost 42,000 signatures. (More details on the hand in can be seen here). Thanks to everyone who signed, and all who gave their support, especially Global Justice Now and War on Want. ***

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