natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The Council’s assessments encompass Wal-Mart’s business operations in the USA and Canada, and at its suppliers in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Malawi, Madagascar, Swaziland, Bangladesh, China and Indonesia.
The Council’s assessments encompass Wal-Mart’s business operations in the USA and Canada, and at its suppliers in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Malawi, Madagascar, Swaziland, Bangladesh, China and Indonesia.
The Council on Ethics summarises its recommendation as follows: “What makes this case special is the sum total of ethical norm violations, both in the company’s own business operations and in the supplier chain.
The Council on Ethics summarises its recommendation as follows: “What makes this case special is the sum total of ethical norm violations, both in the company’s own business operations and in the supplier chain.
It appears to be a systematic and planned practice on the part of the company to hover at, or cross, the bounds of what are accepted norms for the work environment.
It appears to be a systematic and planned practice on the part of the company to hover at, or cross, the bounds of what are accepted norms for the work environment.
Many of the violations are serious, most appear to be systematic, and altogether they form a picture of a company whose overall activity displays a lack of willingness to countervail violations of norms in its business operations.”
Many of the violations are serious, most appear to be systematic, and altogether they form a picture of a company whose overall activity displays a lack of willingness to countervail violations of norms in its business operations.”
The Council, through Norges Bank, wrote to Wal-Mart on 14 September 2005 inviting them to comment on the allegations of complicity in violations of human rights and labour rights.
The Council, through Norges Bank, wrote to Wal-Mart on 14 September 2005 inviting them to comment on the allegations of complicity in violations of human rights and labour rights.
Wal-Mart did not respond to this letter.
Wal-Mart did not respond to this letter.
The Ministry of Finance has dialogued with Norges Bank on the possibilities for exercising ownership rights as an instrument vis-à-vis Wal-Mart.
The Ministry of Finance has dialogued with Norges Bank on the possibilities for exercising ownership rights as an instrument vis-à-vis Wal-Mart.
In a letter of 6 January this year Norges Bank wrote that it would like to exercise its ownership rights in Wal-Mart and that this “may help influence Wal-Mart in a positive direction, while at the same time communicating important ethical considerations and principles, not only to Wal-Mart, but to other companies with similar operations, as well as other investors.”
In a letter of 6 January this year Norges Bank wrote that it would like to exercise its ownership rights in Wal-Mart and that this “may help influence Wal-Mart in a positive direction, while at the same time communicating important ethical considerations and principles, not only to Wal-Mart, but to other companies with similar operations, as well as other investors.”
Norges Bank also writes that at the present time “… processes are under way in relation to ethical and social conditions at Wal-Mart, and that Norges Bank is in a position to participate in several of these processes.”
Norges Bank also writes that at the present time “… processes are under way in relation to ethical and social conditions at Wal-Mart, and that Norges Bank is in a position to participate in several of these processes.”
At the same time the bank points out that “… exercising ownership rights in a company such as Wal-Mart is a complicated matter and requires patience.”
At the same time the bank points out that “… exercising ownership rights in a company such as Wal-Mart is a complicated matter and requires patience.”
- I would emphasise that the exercise of ownership rights is a highly important instrument under the Ethical Guidelines in terms of promoting ethical practices and long-term sustainability,” says Minister of Finance Kristin Halvorsen.
- I would emphasise that the exercise of ownership rights is a highly important instrument under the Ethical Guidelines in terms of promoting ethical practices and long-term sustainability,” says Minister of Finance Kristin Halvorsen.
- Exercise of ownership rights is the instrument best suited to influencing companies in a desired direction.
- Exercise of ownership rights is the instrument best suited to influencing companies in a desired direction.
For that reason I view Norges Bank’s stance positively.
For that reason I view Norges Bank’s stance positively.
The threshold for excluding companies from the Fund’s investment universe must be high.
The threshold for excluding companies from the Fund’s investment universe must be high.
Companies’ violations of norms must be of a serious, systematic or gross nature in order for this instrument to be applied.
Companies’ violations of norms must be of a serious, systematic or gross nature in order for this instrument to be applied.
However, in this particular case the Council on Ethics is clear in its recommendation for exclusion, and the Council views the risk of complicity in future norm violations as unacceptable.
However, in this particular case the Council on Ethics is clear in its recommendation for exclusion, and the Council views the risk of complicity in future norm violations as unacceptable.
In light of the Council’s recommendation, the Ministry of Finance finds it unlikely that exercising the Fund’s ownership rights vis-à-vis Wal-Mart will sufficiently reduce the risk of the Fund contributing to ethically unacceptable conduct, as this is defined in the Ethical Guidelines.
In light of the Council’s recommendation, the Ministry of Finance finds it unlikely that exercising the Fund’s ownership rights vis-à-vis Wal-Mart will sufficiently reduce the risk of the Fund contributing to ethically unacceptable conduct, as this is defined in the Ethical Guidelines.
I would also recall that the Council on Ethics is mandated to monitor companies excluded from the Fund’s investment universe to determine whether a basis for exclusion still exists.
I would also recall that the Council on Ethics is mandated to monitor companies excluded from the Fund’s investment universe to determine whether a basis for exclusion still exists.
In cases where a basis for exclusion no longer exists, companies may once again be included in the Fund’s investment universe.
In cases where a basis for exclusion no longer exists, companies may once again be included in the Fund’s investment universe.
In light of the above, the Ministry of Finance has decided to act on the Council’s recommendation to exclude Wal-Mart from the Fund’s investment universe based on the view that the Government Pension Fund – Global will incur an unacceptable risk of contributing to serious or systematic violations of human rights by maintaining its investments in the company.
In light of the above, the Ministry of Finance has decided to act on the Council’s recommendation to exclude Wal-Mart from the Fund’s investment universe based on the view that the Government Pension Fund – Global will incur an unacceptable risk of contributing to serious or systematic violations of human rights by maintaining its investments in the company.
Freeport Freeport is a mining company operating one of the world’s largest copper mines in the island of New Guinea in Indonesia.
Freeport Freeport is a mining company operating one of the world’s largest copper mines in the island of New Guinea in Indonesia.
Freeport uses a natural river system for tailings disposal.
Freeport uses a natural river system for tailings disposal.
The Council on Ethics for the Government Pension Fund – Global has considered allegations that Freeport, through its waste management practices is inflicting extensive and serious damage on the environment.
The Council on Ethics for the Government Pension Fund – Global has considered allegations that Freeport, through its waste management practices is inflicting extensive and serious damage on the environment.
According to Point 4.4., second paragraph, third bullet point of the Ethical Guidelines, the Council on Ethics is required to give “… recommendations on the exclusion of one or several companies from the investment universe because of acts or omissions that constitute an unacceptable risk of the Fund contributing to: … severe environmental damage…”
According to Point 4.4., second paragraph, third bullet point of the Ethical Guidelines, the Council on Ethics is required to give “… recommendations on the exclusion of one or several companies from the investment universe because of acts or omissions that constitute an unacceptable risk of the Fund contributing to: … severe environmental damage…”
In its assessment of what is to be regarded as serious environmental damage, the Council on Ethics has considered whether the damage is significant, whether it causes irreversible or long-term impacts, whether it has considerable negative consequences for human life and health, whether it is a result of violations of national laws and international standards, whether the company has neglected to act in order to prevent damage or failed to put in place measures to rectify the damage and whether it is likely that the company’s unacceptable practices will continue.
In its assessment of what is to be regarded as serious environmental damage, the Council on Ethics has considered whether the damage is significant, whether it causes irreversible or long-term impacts, whether it has considerable negative consequences for human life and health, whether it is a result of violations of national laws and international standards, whether the company has neglected to act in order to prevent damage or failed to put in place measures to rectify the damage and whether it is likely that the company’s unacceptable practices will continue.
Freeport employs a natural river system to dispose of close to 230,000 tonnes of tailings each day, thereby releasing large quantities of sediments and heavy metals such as copper, cadmium and mercury into the watercourse.
Freeport employs a natural river system to dispose of close to 230,000 tonnes of tailings each day, thereby releasing large quantities of sediments and heavy metals such as copper, cadmium and mercury into the watercourse.
Riverine tailings disposal has inflicted serious damage on the river system and parts of the nearby riverine rainforest and has considerable negative consequences for the indigenous peoples residing in the area.
Riverine tailings disposal has inflicted serious damage on the river system and parts of the nearby riverine rainforest and has considerable negative consequences for the indigenous peoples residing in the area.
The Council on Ethics finds that the environmental damage caused by the mining operations is extensive, long-term and irreversible.
The Council on Ethics finds that the environmental damage caused by the mining operations is extensive, long-term and irreversible.
The Council notes that the authorities in many countries and key international players (the World Bank et al.) consider riverine disposal to be an unacceptable method for disposing of mine waste due to its extensive and irreversible environmental effects.
The Council notes that the authorities in many countries and key international players (the World Bank et al.) consider riverine disposal to be an unacceptable method for disposing of mine waste due to its extensive and irreversible environmental effects.
To the Council’s knowledge, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are the only countries that still allow riverine tailings disposal.
To the Council’s knowledge, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are the only countries that still allow riverine tailings disposal.
While it may not be reasonable to apply Norwegian or Western environmental standards in all situations., the Council considers that lenient legislation in a country does not automatically justify a heavy environmental burden if the damage is considerable.
While it may not be reasonable to apply Norwegian or Western environmental standards in all situations., the Council considers that lenient legislation in a country does not automatically justify a heavy environmental burden if the damage is considerable.
Freeport gives no indication of intending to alter the way the company manages waste in the future, or of initiating measures that will significantly reduce the damage to the environment, despite the fact that Freeport, in the Council’s view, has long been aware of the environmental damage caused by the company’s practices.
Freeport gives no indication of intending to alter the way the company manages waste in the future, or of initiating measures that will significantly reduce the damage to the environment, despite the fact that Freeport, in the Council’s view, has long been aware of the environmental damage caused by the company’s practices.
On the contrary, the company plans to maintain production volumes in the years to come and maintains that riverine tailings disposal is the best waste management alternative.
On the contrary, the company plans to maintain production volumes in the years to come and maintains that riverine tailings disposal is the best waste management alternative.
Freeport was invited by letter of 22 December 2005 from Norges Bank to comment on the findings and on the Council’s assessments of these findings.
Freeport was invited by letter of 22 December 2005 from Norges Bank to comment on the findings and on the Council’s assessments of these findings.
The company replied by letter of 20 January 2006.
The company replied by letter of 20 January 2006.
An account of the reply is given in the recommendation.
An account of the reply is given in the recommendation.
While Freeport refutes the allegations levelled at the company, it chooses not to provide evidence in support of its position.
While Freeport refutes the allegations levelled at the company, it chooses not to provide evidence in support of its position.
Based on an overall assessment, the Council on Ethics concludes that the Government Pension Fund – Global runs an unacceptable risk of contributing to severe environmental damage by investing in the company.
Based on an overall assessment, the Council on Ethics concludes that the Government Pension Fund – Global runs an unacceptable risk of contributing to severe environmental damage by investing in the company.
Against this background the Ministry of Finance has decided to exclude Freeport from the Fund’s investment universe under the Fund’s Ethical Guidelines.
Against this background the Ministry of Finance has decided to exclude Freeport from the Fund’s investment universe under the Fund’s Ethical Guidelines.
Disinvestment According to established procedures Norges Bank has two months in which to disinvest from a company before a decision on exclusion is made public.
Disinvestment According to established procedures Norges Bank has two months in which to disinvest from a company before a decision on exclusion is made public.
Norges Bank was asked by letter of 28 March 2006 to disinvest from the above two companies concerned by the end of May 2006.
Norges Bank was asked by letter of 28 March 2006 to disinvest from the above two companies concerned by the end of May 2006.
Disposal of stocks and bonds in the companies is now complete.
Disposal of stocks and bonds in the companies is now complete.
As of 31 December 2005 the Government Pension Fund – Global’s investment in Wal-Mart totalled about NOK 2.5 billion.
As of 31 December 2005 the Government Pension Fund – Global’s investment in Wal-Mart totalled about NOK 2.5 billion.
The Fund’s investment in Freeport came to about NOK 116 million at the same point in time.
The Fund’s investment in Freeport came to about NOK 116 million at the same point in time.
Publication of the decisions has been deferred to ensure an appropriate disinvestment process.
Publication of the decisions has been deferred to ensure an appropriate disinvestment process.
The recommendations of the Council on Ethics are posted on the Ministry of Finance’s homepage.
The recommendations of the Council on Ethics are posted on the Ministry of Finance’s homepage.
Read more about the Council on Ethics for the Government Pension Fund – Global at http://www.etikkradet.no.
Read more about the Council on Ethics for the Government Pension Fund – Global at http://www.etikkradet.no/english.
Two decades of saving lives
Two decades of saving lives
"Every day for two decades, men and women from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have gone out to find, clear and destroy landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war in communities affected by armed conflict.
Every day for two decades, men and women from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have gone out to find, clear and destroy landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war in communities affected by armed conflict.
Mines and Arms Department, Portfolio 2012.
Mines and Arms Department, Portfolio 2012.
Every day for two decades, men and women from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have gone out to find, clear and destroy landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war in communities affected by armed conflict.
Every day for two decades, men and women from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have gone out to find, clear and destroy landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war in communities affected by armed conflict.
They have saved lives and secured livelihoods all over the world.
They have saved lives and secured livelihoods all over the world.
At the same time, NPA has been instrumental in the global efforts that resulted in the two landmark conventions that ban all use of anti-personnel mines (1997) and cluster munitions (2008).
At the same time, NPA has been instrumental in the global efforts that resulted in the two landmark conventions that ban all use of anti-personnel mines (1997) and cluster munitions (2008).
In both processes, NPA has been a vital civil society advocate for effective international cooperation to promote peace, justice and development.
In both processes, NPA has been a vital civil society advocate for effective international cooperation to promote peace, justice and development.
Systematic effort to address the problems caused by mines and cluster munitions is a new field of humanitarian action.
Systematic effort to address the problems caused by mines and cluster munitions is a new field of humanitarian action.
NPA has been at the forefront, shaping both policies and operations for two decades.
NPA has been at the forefront, shaping both policies and operations for two decades.
I am proud that Norway has partnered NPA in its efforts since 1992.
I am proud that Norway has partnered NPA in its efforts since 1992.
What started out as a response to our request to Norwegian NGOs for civilian mine clearance in post-war Cambodia, turned into one of our most successful partnerships ever.
What started out as a response to our request to Norwegian NGOs for civilian mine clearance in post-war Cambodia, turned into one of our most successful partnerships ever.
NPA has played a unique dual role as a world-class operator and an effective policy advocate.
NPA has played a unique dual role as a world-class operator and an effective policy advocate.
It has built up invaluable expertise and has never been afraid of letting us know when it has disagreed with us or seen another way forward.
It has built up invaluable expertise and has never been afraid of letting us know when it has disagreed with us or seen another way forward.
It is a priority for Norway to strengthen the protection of civilians from the devastating consequences of war and armed conflict.
It is a priority for Norway to strengthen the protection of civilians from the devastating consequences of war and armed conflict.
NPA has been an invaluable partner in this work and I hope that our cooperation will continue in the years to come.
NPA has been an invaluable partner in this work and I hope that our cooperation will continue in the years to come.
Congratulations on all your achievements during these 20 years.
Congratulations on all your achievements during these 20 years.
Oslo, September 2012, Jonas Gahr Støre
Oslo, september 2012, Jonas Gahr Støre
More information: http://www.npaid.org/
Les dokumentet på Norsk Folkehjelps nettside
U-864 is to be raised
U-864 skal heves
On 10 November last year, the Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs received the NCA’s technical assessment with the recommendation of capping both the wreck and the contaminated seabed.
Fiskeri- og kystministeren mottok den 10. november i fjor Kystverkets faglige anbefaling om tildekking av vraket og forurenset havbunn.
“The NCA’s and DNV’s thorough work has contributed to identifying different risk factors of the two alternative means of dealing with the pollution from the wreck and the contaminated seabed.
- Kystverket og DNVs grundige arbeid har bidratt til å synliggjøre ulike risikoelementer ved de to alternative tiltakene for å håndtere forurensningen fra vraket og den forurensede havbunnen.
The NCA concludes that raising the sections of the wreck will be a technically feasible but highly complex operation.
Kystverket konkluderer med at heving av vrakdelene vil være en teknisk gjennomførbar, men svært kompleks operasjon.
The decision is subject to the consent of the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament.
Det er tatt forbehold om Stortingets samtykke.
An independent external quality-assurance of the contract proposition and costs is also to be carried out in order to provide the best possible basis for a parliamentary decision.
For å ha et best mulig grunnlag for å legge saken fram for Stortinget skal det gjennomføres en uavhengig, ekstern kvalitetssikring av hevingstilbudet.
Uganda has paid back misused aid funds
Uganda betaler bistandspenger tilbake
Uganda has transferred NOK 23 million to Norway in repayment for aid funds that had been misappropriated.
Uganda har overført 23 millioner kroner tilbake til Norge etter korrupsjon av norske bistandspenger.
Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås commented, “This is the largest single repayment we have ever received.”
– Det er det største enkeltbeløpet vi har fått betalt tilbake noensinne, sier utviklingsminister Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås.
“Norway practises zero tolerance for corruption.
– Norge har nulltoleranse for korrupsjon.
We therefore demanded that all the misused funds were repaid and those responsible brought to justice.
Derfor krevde vi alle underslåtte penger tilbake og at de mistenkte personene skulle rettsforfølges.
All forms of corruption can be seen as stealing from the poor,” said Mr Holmås.
All form for korrupsjon er å regne som tyveri fra de fattigste, sier utviklingsminister Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås.
Uganda has now repaid the misused funds which amounted to NOK 23 million (UGX 11 billion).
Uganda har nå betalt tilbake det misbrukte beløpet på 23 millioner kroner (elleve milliarder ugandiske shilling).
“This is the largest single repayment of misused funds that we have received.
– Dette er det største enkeltbeløpet vi har fått tilbakebetalt etter korrupsjon.
It sends an important signal to other donors and to the people of Uganda that the country has to take the fight against corruption seriously.
Det sender et viktig signal til både givere og landets egne innbyggere om at Uganda er nødt til å ta kampen mot korrupsjon på alvor.
It was last autumn that the Office of the Auditor General of Uganda exposed the misuse and embezzlement of international aid funds by corrupt officials in the Ugandan administration.
Det var i fjor høst riksrevisjonen i Uganda avdekket at korrupte personer i statsapparatet i Uganda misbrukte og stjal bistandspenger.
This money should have been used to help people in northern Uganda who were poverty-stricken after years of conflict and misrule.
Pengene skulle hjelpe de lutfattige menneskene i Nord-Uganda etter år med konflikt og vanstyre.