OECD Watch is an international network of civil society organisations promoting corporate accountability. The purpose of OECD Watch is to inform the wider NGO community about policies and activities of the OECD's Investment Committee and to test the effectiveness of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

OECD Watch statement on the update of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Improved content and scope, but procedural shortcomings remain

The updated OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, adopted on 25 May 2011, introduce important new provisions on human rights, workers and wages, and climate change. OECD Watch's “Statement on the update of the Guidelines” nevertheless concludes that procedural shortcomings remain, and therefore the Guidelines potential to become an effective and credible instrument for corporate accountability remains in question.

Go to the statement in English, Spanish and French

What's new?

Norwegian Nickel Controversy

04 01 2012

The Norwegian NCP issues its final statement regarding the complaint filed by Framtiden i våre hender against Norway-based Intex Resources for violating indigenous peoples’ human and environmental rights in 2009. In its final statement the Norwegian NCP concludes that Norwegian-owned Mindoro Nickel Project in the Philippines should consult a broader group of indigenous peoples and be more transparent about adverse environmental impacts.

What business should know about the OECD Guidelines

30 08 2011

There are a few core changes to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that companies must take heed of. OECD Watch elaborates on the opportunities to hold companies to account for their misconduct via the new due diligence, supply chain and human rights provisions in the new Guidelines.

Succesfull mediation in OECD Guidelines complaint against Cermaq

16 08 2011

In May 2009 ForUM and Friends of the Earth Norway filed a complaint against Cermaq ASA for multiple breaches of the Guidelines arising from the fish farming and fish feed operations of the company's subsidiary Mainstream. Following the successful conclusion of the mediation process and the joint statement by the complainants and the company the Norwegian NCP concluded the complaint in August 2011.

Towards pro-active implementation of the OECD Guidelines

01 08 2011

OECD Watch welcomes the recent update of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. This submission is a supplement to the OECD Watch May 2011 statement on the update. The earlier statement details the improvements and shortcomings of the “new” OECD Guidelines. This submission outlines OECD Watch’s vision for effective implementation and enforcement of the updated Guidelines, and elaborates on recent developments among NCPs.

OECD Watch press release: OECD updates ethical business standards but fails to ensure enforcement

25 05 2011

Today, on its 50th anniversary, the OECD will formally adopt a revised text of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises – 10 years after its last major review. The Guidelines set out government expectations for responsible business conduct. While there are valuable additions to the content and scope of the Guidelines, OECD governments failed to agree on more stringent measures to ensure company compliance. This compromises the effectiveness of the OECD Guidelines in resolving conflicts between business and society. These are the conclusions of OECD Watch’s “Statement on the update of the OECD Guidelines for MNEs”, also published today.

OECD Watch

OECD Watch statement on the update of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Improved content and scope, but procedural shortcomings remain

What's new?

Norwegian Nickel Controversy

What business should know about the OECD Guidelines

Succesfull mediation in OECD Guidelines complaint against Cermaq

Towards pro-active implementation of the OECD Guidelines

OECD Watch press release: OECD updates ethical business standards but fails to ensure enforcement

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