Scottish Catholic Observer

SCIAF has welcomed news that the European Parliament has passed legislation to try and prevent the trade in conflict minerals.

“After thousands of campaigners in Scotland and across Europe lobbied their MEPs, the European Parliament has voted in favour of a strong and binding law on conflict minerals,” Philippa Bonella (above), SCIAF’s head of communications and education, said. “hey called for all European manufacturers and importers of components and products containing tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold to check their supply chains to make sure they don’t fuel conflicts.

“Only when we have strong laws in place can we be sure that our mobile phones and other electronics are not supporting war, violence against women, or the widespread abuse of human rights in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Colombia.

“The European Parliament vote is a big step in the right direction but we now need the legislation to be agreed by governments and the European Commission.”

The European’s vote last week legally requires that all EU companies processing, importing and using tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (3TG) act responsibly and undertake due diligence.

These minerals are vital in the manufacture of Mobile Phones and other electronic technology. There is a long history of them being removed from the developing world without the permission and knowledge of local governments.

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