CAN MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES IMPROVE HUMAN RIGHTS IN SENSITIVE COUNTRIES?

HRT - Media and NGOs report frequently on companies causing environmental hazards and putting employees health and safety at risk when operating in sensitive countries. Mining and electricity business operations are blamed for displacing thousands of people who lose not only their homes but also their traditional livelihoods. Contaminated water sources and soil too poisonous to farm are cited as consequences of multinational business operations. In the worst cases, such companies are accused of doing business with governments in conflict and supporting violent regimes. In some cases, such involvement can aggravate strife and contribute to human rights abuses. Human Tights Tribune cordially invites you to discuss dilemmas and future perspectives on

Wednesday, 14 May, 10.00 – 14.00 Geneva Press Club/Club Suisse de la presse Route de Ferney 106, 1202 Genève

For information how to reach Geneva Press Club by public transport, visit www.pressclub.ch.

Please, RSVP as soon as possible to confirm your participation to this Encounters as places are limited. You can send your registration by e-mail project@infosud.org.

Programme and speakers:

10.00 –10.15 Welcome and introduction

10.15 – 11.15 Presentations and debate

Moderator Mr. Dan O’Brien – Senior editor, Economist intelligence unit, The Economist

Mr. Ron Popper – Head of corporate responsibility, ABB Group

Mr. Malcolm Gifford – Head, Development of inspection system cluster, International programme for safety and health at work and the environment, ILO Ms.

Anne-Kathrin Glatz – Communications officer, Déclaration de Berne

11.15 – 11.30 Coffee break

11.30 – 12.15 Presentations and debate Mr. Salil Tripathi – Senior policy adviser, International Alert

Mr. Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, Senior vice president communications and spokesman for Areva, Areva

12.15 – 13.30 General debate

13.30 – 14.00 Lunch buffet

Contacts: Katja Vuori 022 901 33 33 project@infosud.org Fabrice Boulé 022 901 33 34 fboule@infosud.org

Invitation HRT