'Conflict Materials: From Congo to your Computer

Many of us are unwittingly supporting some of the gross human rights abuses in the conflict in the DR Congo every time we use or buy electronic goods, which are often mined in the DRC. Which at least in my lap-top happy life, would be quite regularly. To address the 'unwittingly' part of this problem, the US Congress is pushing forward legislation to require companies selling tin, tantalum or tungsten to disclose the country of origin of the materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The bi-partisan legislation is gaining ground in the Congress and might very well be passed. The industry is cautiously supportive - this is a movement for transparency, not, after all, for ceasing the activities. the basics for electronic materials are often sold by rebel groups to get arms which help fuel the conflict. Even in uneasy peace, the conditions in the mines remain terrifying - and international tin companies have a key role to play. It's a big business - over $85 million/year in tin alone, according to a recent Enough study. To find out more, an excellent film on 'tin soldiers' by Journeyman Picture can be found here.

Human Rights activists and US Congress' push for this bill goes along with other recent trends towards greater transparency - and the critical role that citizen activist and consumer groups play in encouraging business to do the right thing.