Watching our electronics supply chains: OSCE joins Electronics Watch

The OSCE is one step further in eradicating exploitation from its electronics supply chains, having joined Electronics Watch, the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, announced on 27 February 2020. This independent watchdog will be monitoring the production locations of electronics hardware procured and engaging with the industry. The OSCE is setting in practice its policy of transparency in purchasing procedures.

Established in 2015, Electronics Watch is an independent non-profit and non-governmental monitoring organization. Its mission is helping contracting authorities to work together with human rights experts, global supply chains, and civil-society partners to protect workers in the production regions.

By affiliating to Electronics Watch, the OSCE illustrates one of its commitments: envisioning a supply chain system in which the rights of all workers are being respected, their voices are being heard and their working conditions are safe, decent and free from any form of trafficking and exploitation.

“This is an important step, that the OSCE as a promotor of policies on prevention of human trafficking in public sector supply chains also took the strategic decision to ensure that its own supply chains and procurement practices do not contribute to human trafficking,” said Julia Rutz, Senior Adviser with the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

In practice, this means that the electronics supply chains connected to OSCE procurement - from mining to manufacturing – will be monitored to ensure:

• Purchasers exercise social responsibility and have a measurable and positive impact on the workers manufacturing the goods they buy;

• Civil-society organizations and unions help workers in accessing their rights;

• Employers fully respect all applicable national and international labour rights and safety standards;

• Brands and resellers disclose their suppliers' names and compliance data as fully as possible.

In the future, regional risk assessments for regions of production, compliance investigations of major suppliers, and a succinct action guide will form part of the OSCE’s engagement with suppliers.