Reference: Samsung response to BHRRC invitation to address methanol poisoning and Samsung whistleblower testimony as outlined in the press release from CGFED, SHARPS, and IPEN, 26 April 2023

We are writing to respond to Samsung’s 24 April 2023 reply1 to BHRRC’s invitation2 to address two issues: 1) testimony from a Samsung whistleblower as summarized in a press release from CGFED, SHARPS, and IPEN 3 4; and 2) the tragic methanol poisoning that occurred at one of Samsung’s suppliers in Vietnam. 5 Samsung has actively ignored the testimony of its own whistleblower who served as a manager of environmental health and safety at Samsung Vietnam. The Samsung whistleblower experienced repeated indifference by Samsung senior management to documentation of water pollution, air pollution, poor fire safety, lack of occupational safety, poorly regulated toxic chemical use, and outsourcing of risk to suppliers, among others. 6 7 8 9 10 One illustration of Samsung’s management approach is the company’s refusal to take responsibility for the tragic methanol poisoning of 37 workers at one of its suppliers in Vietnam, which killed one worker and blinded three teenage workers in March 2023. Taken together, Samsung has failed to adequately respond to BHRRC and failed to honor its business obligations on human rights.

[...]

[See full rejoinder attached]

[Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Samsung Electronics to comment on the rejoinder, they did not]