Fragile! Handle with Care: Multinationals and Conflict

Description

This publication presents the lessons from the Multinational Corporations in Conflict-Affected Areas (MCAA) programme of the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO). As part of this programme, between 2013 and 2016, SOMO undertook research on extractives and agro-industries in five countries: Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone and South Sudan. These case studies provide many illustrations of business-related human rights abuses in a context of conflict and fragility, and provide valuable lessons on how companies operate in conflict-affected areas.

Based on these lessons, a number of recommendations are provided. Among others, it is recommended to MNCs to develop or improve company policies and strategies on how to deal with conflict settings, in line with international standards and guidelines, to prevent them from contributing to new or existing conflict.