Amnesty International gives EV makers low marks for human rights policies

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🗞️ Driving the news: Amnesty International's new report criticizes electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers for inadequate human rights policies across their battery supply chains
• Among the 13 companies assessed, BYD and Mitsubishi scored the lowest, while Mercedes-Benz and Tesla ranked the highest, although none met the threshold for adequate human rights due diligence
• The report highlights the urgent need for automakers to enhance transparency in sourcing key battery materials

🔭 The context: As demand for cobalt, lithium, nickel, and copper surges with the global shift to EVs, risks of human rights abuses in mining increase
• The report bases its evaluation on companies’ disclosures about human rights policies and compliance with international guidelines like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• Despite higher scores, even the leading companies show significant gaps in protecting vulnerable communities involved in material extraction

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Ethical sourcing of materials is crucial for a just transition to clean energy, ensuring that the push for EV adoption does not come at the expense of human rights
• Addressing these issues can prevent exploitation, protect Indigenous communities, and promote sustainability in the rapidly growing green tech sector

⏭️ What's next: Amnesty calls for automakers to map their supply chains more transparently and engage with affected communities, adhering to standards like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Regulatory intervention may also be necessary, especially in countries with less stringent supply chain laws

💬 One quote: "The shift to EVs should not come at the cost of human rights violations" – Quynh Tran, Amnesty International researcher

📈 One stat: BYD and Mitsubishi scored just 11 and 13 out of a possible 90 points in Amnesty's human rights assessment

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