Catherine Early, a well-known environmental journalist and chief reporter for The Ecologist, recently shed light on the alarming cases surrounding UK companies and human rights violations in her latest article. One of the cases she highlighted was the tragic disappearance and murder of Eustacio Alcalá Díaz in April 2023. Díaz had bravely halted concessions held by ArcelorMittal and Ternium, which ultimately led to his untimely demise.
Similarly, the disappearance of Ricardo Lagunes Gasca and Antonio Díaz Valencia in January 2023 after opposing Ternium’s operations also caught the attention of Álvarez. Both ArcelorMittal and Ternium have ties to UK corporate structures, raising concerns about the complicity of these companies in the attacks on defenders.
The Business and Human Rights Centre has documented six attacks on defenders who stood against Ternium’s operations. The UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances has called for cooperation from businesses involved in these cases.
Ternium released a statement denying any involvement in the disappearances, stating that they were actively collaborating with Mexican authorities. However, Álvarez pointed out the increasing militarization in the area, especially impacting indigenous peoples who are disproportionately affected by such incidents.
In a separate incident, indigenous Miyah woman defender Lia Yewen and her community in West Papua have been fighting to protect their ancestral lands from palm oil, mining, and industrial agriculture projects. The destruction of these lands poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, and Yewen emphasized the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
The Corporate Justice Coalition, comprising various NGOs and law firms, has been advocating for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence for UK-linked companies. They have been calling for accountability mechanisms to hold these companies responsible for their actions.
The UK government’s review of responsible business conduct in global supply chains presents an opportunity to address these issues. However, there is a need for more transparency and proactive measures to protect human rights defenders impacted by corporate activities.
Álvarez urged the UK government to leverage its influence over companies and policymakers to end impunity for abuses. Without justice, the cycle of violence and fear perpetuated by these companies will only continue to escalate.
In response, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting human rights defenders and promoting democracy and the rule of law. The department affirmed its continued support for defenders through trial monitoring, direct funding, and advocacy with third parties.
As the conversation around corporate accountability and human rights intensifies, it is crucial for governments and businesses to take concrete steps towards protecting the rights of individuals impacted by their operations. Catherine Early’s insightful reporting serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by human rights defenders and the urgent need for action to address these issues.
