Side event externally organized by Doughty Street Chamber
Introduction:The exacerbation of the social and economic inequalities prevailing in South Asian countries because of the pandemic have been clearly illustrated in the Rajasthan natural stone industry. The industry was already exemplified by historical, endemic human rights and environmental violations and Rajasthan sandstone was listed in September 2020 in the
US Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. However, it has been reported that the lockdown,
led to thousands of informal mineworkers left without work or government support, thousands of those certified with silicosis awaiting state compensation and an unspecified number affected by Covid-19 because of their lung vulnerabilities. It is unfortunately likely that the economic effects of the pandemic will further increase the violations in the industry.
Response:Despite the significant challenges, there has been considerable effort and some success from
CSOs,
businesses,
businesses conducting due diligence and the Government of Rajasthan, which has implemented a
system of diagnosis and monetary relief for those affected by silicosis. However, the pandemic has necessitated a rethink on how to protect this most vulnerable and marginalised of groups,
including through business operations.
Key questions:
Some of the questions that could be considered are:
- What are the barriers in the State enforcing the law?
- How could stakeholders cooperate in ensuring that suppliers comply with the law?
- Should there be a mandatory due diligence law?
- Is there a role for consumers, and if so, what is it?
Format:
The proposed side event will be a four-way stakeholder conversation.
The proposed side event would be 1 hour duration, with each speaker given 10-12 mins to introduce the challenges and solutions to the violations exacerbated by pandemic, after which there would be 15 mins for a Q&A. In particular, how these stakeholders have been, and could be, working together for a better collective response.
