Ensuring that effective complaints and remedy mechanisms are in place, is seen as a major factor in establishing decent and safe working conditions. In this light, the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) works together with sector initiatives and local organisations to strengthen complaints mechanisms in the textile and garment industry. We assess the current environment of existing supply chain grievance mechanisms operated by multi stakeholder initiatives and facilitate a participative process towards more alignment and cooperation and ultimately a joint industry-wide grievance system.

Explore advantages and disadvantages of the removal of the FATF Recommendation 8 for the enabling environment of civil society that -in the past 10 years- has been disproportionally affected by the implementation of this recommendation. Will its removal contribute to preventing threats to human rights defenders via the use of CFT regulation or does it actually create a basis for dialogue?

In collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, we undertake a study of existing human rights issues (and ways to mitigate these) in Fairtrade’s coffee and banana supply chains in Ethiopia, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. We look into the relevance of FTI certification systems for human rights, study the human rights due diligence relevance of these interventions and assess the use and relevance of company level complaint mechanisms in Fairtrade supply chains.

Developed five interactive online learning courses to transfer the knowledge generated within the AFI network to a large number of learners which consist of the staff of AFI member institutions who are geographically dispersed in the various parts of the world, the staff of other institutions working on the following areas and also financial inclusion professionals (individuals) who are not part of the AFI network. The five online learning courses addressed the following areas: a. Inclusive Green Finance; b. Gender Inclusive Finance, c. Anti-Money Laundering; Countering Financing of Terrorism; d. Financial Inclusion Strategies; and e. AFI COVID-19 Policy Response. 

Supported MilieuDefensie in the development of a set of knowledge products translating the organization’s objectives to stop the financialisation of nature. These products also highlighted finance models that promote and respect indigenous peoples and local communities’ knowledge and practice for agroecology and community-based forest management and are part of the organization’s capacity building efforts.

Investigated the role that countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) laws and regulations play in limiting the operations of Human rights defenders working on organised crime, and document the impact it has on their safety. Specific focus on women’s rights. Drafted policy paper for advocacy towards international institutions on how to protect the space for HRDS in light of CFT developments.

Developed a policy note intended to identify the current practices of ASEAN countries in the implementation of DFL initiatives, explore approaches to the introduction of DFL in the national context, with a special focus on National Financial Inclusion Strategies (NFIS) and National Financial Education Strategies (NFES), provide regulatory and non-regulatory recommendations to regulators with regards to the implementation of DFL initiatives at the local level, and introduce global and regional best practices to provide ASEAN members with the necessary conceptual framework to identify, address and evaluate DFL initiatives.

Created a Guideline Note and accompanying Toolkit to help regulators  understand, develop, facilitate and regulate tools, interventions and policies directed at promoting digital financial literacy (DFL) and capability whilst building consumer trust in digital platforms.

Supported Milieudefensie with documentation of consultation processes and land rights violations in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone to be used as evidence in complaints filed against company. Conducted general analysis and identification of gaps in consultation and FPIC processes in palm oil certification schemes: gaps between standards/policies and general norms and standards on consultation & experiences of communities and civil society.

Supported the ABA Justice Defenders Program in conducting research and fact finding work on threats to land and human rights defenders in Uganda. Interviewed local community members and stakeholders, plus review of court documents and financial agreements. Drafted a report documenting the threats to defenders outlining regional and international obligations and advocacy strategies.