"Press release: A new campaign gives voice to citizens to tell EU leaders to “Stand up in favor of an ambitious regulation on conflict minerals”", 7 Mar 2016

…In the final stretch to make their voices heard on the “conflict minerals” regulation, citizens will ask EU negotiators to stand up for a legislation that puts the ethical dimension at its core, rather than pushing a position that puts profits before people…[M]any EU Member States are opposing a mandatory law and pushing for a voluntary and partial system…While sourcing minerals coming from conflict-affected or high-risk areas, European businesses are at risk of contributing to fuelling violence to the detriment of human rights, peace and development…CIDSE’s Secretary General, Bernd Nilles, highlights that “through this campaign action, European citizens will be able…show to their representatives that they don’t want to be complicit with this deadly exploitation...”…[C]itizens call on decision makers to:

1. Show leadership on this issue by supporting mandatory due diligence requirements along the entire supply chain.
2. Support a Regulation that aligns with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance on Conflict Minerals…