UK

The UK 2016 Updated NAP makes a reference to NCPs in the section devoted to Access to Remedy for Human Right Abuses Resulting from Business Activity [page 20]:

“We also provide a number of state-based non-judicial mechanisms, including: The UK National Contact Point (NCP) which considers allegations of non compliance by UK companies with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The NCP seeks to mediate an agreement between the parties. But where this is not possible, a determination of whether the enterprise has acted inconsistently with the Guidelines is published and available for public dissemination.”

The UK 2016 Updated NAP states in the section Actions Taken, [page 8]:

“To give effect to the UN Guiding Principles, the Government has: (…) implemented the requirements of the OECD 2012 Common Approaches, and considered relevant adverse project-related human rights impacts in providing applicable Export Credit Agency (ECA) support through UK Export Finance (UKEF). UKEF will consider any reports made publicly available by the UK National Contact Point (NCP) in respect of the human rights record of a company when considering a project for export credit. The UK has been involved with the discussions, and negotiations, on the implementation of the OECD 2012 Common Approaches and the need to amend this, in respect of ongoing experience on project-related human rights. The UK continues to be involved in negotiations on any agreed clarifications to the OECD 2012 Common Approaches.”

The UK 2016 Updated NAP refers to NCP in the Case Study from NCP [page 23] where it provides a brief description of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) & SOCO International Plc. case June 2014:

“WWF’s complaint alleged that SOCO’s oil exploration activities in Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) did not contribute to sustainable development and that this conduct was prohibited under existing International agreements and DRC law. The activities specifically risked adverse impacts on the local communities, the environment and wildlife. This case had aroused considerable International media attention. The UK NCP accepted the complaint and asked both parties to take part in professional external mediation in London which resulted in an agreed joint statement. As part of the statement, SOCO agreed that they will not undertake or commission any exploratory or other drilling within Virunga National Park unless UNESCO and the DRC government agree that such activities are not incompatible with its World Heritage status. They also stated that “when we undertake human rights due diligence, the processes we adopt will be in full compliance with international norms and standards and industry best practice, including appropriate levels of community consultation and engagement on the basis of publicly available documents.” The full joint statement and NCP Final assessment published in June 2014 can be seen at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330392/bis- 14-967-uk-ncp-final-statement-following-agreement-reached-in-complaint-from-wwf- international-against-soco-international-plc.pdf More details on each complaint case which UK NCP have received can be found via the link to the Initial & Final assessments page which lists cases in chronological order https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-national-contact-point-statements.”