In a first-of-its-kind report, the Dutch NCP has, at the request of the Dutch government, investigated the compliance of the Dutch oil and gas sector with the OECD Guidelines. The NCP’s research concludes that “the implementation of the OECD Guidelines in the Dutch oil and gas sector is poor.” ...

The NCP calls on both oil and gas companies as well as the Dutch government to develop a plan for bringing the sector into line with the OECD Guidelines and monitoring compliance.

The Dutch NCP’s research and the clear determinations in its report represent an important and unique development. Most NCPs wait for a complaint to be filed by NGOs or unions before taking action... Similarly, many NCPs refuse to make any public determinations at all about compliance with the OECD Guidelines...

The Dutch NCP’s research reinforces the conclusion long drawn by OECD Watch that relying solely on voluntary measures to encourage companies to act in accordance with the standards in the OECD Guidelines is ineffective. In order to effectively implement the OECD Guidelines, governments must attach consequences to non-compliance with the Guidelines and make conducting due diligence to prevent and remedy adverse impacts mandatory for companies.