Protesters worldwide claim that Apple is complicit in human rights violations in the DRC and Gaza; co. did not respond
On 20 September 2024, WIRED published an article reporting on protests around the world which claim that Apple risks being complicit in human rights violations in the Congo (DRC) and Gaza. According to WIRED, the protesters urge Apple to stop sourcing its cobalt from the DRC, where mines were notorious for dangerous conditions, low wages and frequent use of child labor. Furthermore, the article reports on multiple allegations of wrongful terminations of employees for expressing support for Palestinians. In April 2024, Apple employees - called Apples4Ceasefire - published an open letter alleging that several employees of the company have been disciplined or “wrongfully terminated” for expressing support for Palestinian people through pins, bracelets, or keffiyeh.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre reached out to Apple to respond to the allegations and provide clarity on:
- Steps taken to address concerns relating to sourcing cobalt from DRC and addressing human rights risks associated with Apple’s supply chain in this regard.
- Responses and measures taken in relation to alleged wrongful terminations of employees for expressing support for Palestinians.
Apple did not respond.