Interesting article from cleantechnica.com
Tesla Shareholders Ask: Are Automotive Supply Chains & Labor Rights Incompatible?
"A CleanTechnica interviewee argues that automakers cannot make the excuse that it’s too complicated to know who their suppliers are and how their suppliers are violating human rights."
"A 2023 study by New York University (NYU) and the Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights finds that major auto, battery, and electronics manufacturers are doing too little to ensure the cobalt they’re using doesn’t involve child labor at the DRC’s numerous unsafe “artisanal” mines. It also calls on these manufacturers and mining and processing companies to help create safeguards that eliminate the practice and improve overall safety."
"First, I would like to start by saying that, while as a whole, the automotive supply chain is complex and tracing is difficult, automakers do have a responsibility under the UNGPs to respect human rights. Additionally, as the EV transition gains momentum, automakers are increasingly more influential over the minerals supply chains. They can and should leverage this influence to demand adherence to human rights at all levels of the minerals supply chains – from extraction to processing to manufacturing. They also should be making supply chain mapping and tracing a priority, and, at least, share such data with their peers."
"That being said, I think the issue of supply chains tainted by forced labor in the Xinjiang region is particular in that it is virtually impossible for automakers to conduct more robust human rights due diligence, supply chain mapping, independent audits etc. since forced labor in that region is State imposed and companies’ access is greatly limited. For that reason, the Driving Force reportcalls on automakers to responsibly exit the region by sourcing elsewhere."
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