SCIAF Calls For EU To Outlaw 'Conflict Minerals'

The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) is urging MEPs to help strengthen EU trade laws covering the mining of minerals which are contributing to wars, violence against women and the abuse of human rights in many developing countries.

People across Scotland are being asked to email their MEPs via www.sciaf.org.uk/campaigns to demand a stop to this deadly trade in conflict minerals ahead of a crucial vote in the European Parliament on proposed legislation on 19th May.

Minerals such as coltan, tungsten, tin, gold and tantalum are all used in smart phones, tablets and laptops. The global trade in these minerals was worth more than €125billion in 2013, with the European Union (EU) responsible for almost a quarter of that. Many are mined in conflict zones where armed groups make huge profits from the trade. Yet there is no EU law requiring companies to ensure the minerals they use have not funded violence.

SCIAF’s Director Alistair Dutton said:

“We see the devastation caused by the deadly trade in conflict minerals in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia. It’s time we all knew where the materials in our smart phones, laptops and other electronic devices come from. Only then can we be sure that we’re not supporting war, violence against women, or the widespread abuse of human rights. I would appeal to everyone to take action today so that we can help put in place strong legislation to control this trade.”

SCIAF and others are campaigning for the proposed legislation to go much further. The range of companies covered by the law must be broadened to include those that import components and finished products into the EU. The materials covered should also include any that are mined or come from trade that may contribute to human rights abuses and conflict.

Teresa Mapenzi, who works for one of SCIAF’s partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted the problems conflict minerals are having on poor communities:

“The rebels come to the village at night and people are taken hostage. Men are forced to mine coltan and gold, and women are used as sexual slaves and cooks. There is no control from the authorities - some even profit from the trade. Minerals from conflict areas are cheaper. But buying minerals from conflict areas fuels conflict and finances war. European companies should source materials in good ways. If things are done in a way that respects human rights and women’s dignity we can reduce this problem.”