Multinationals and conflict

When multinational corporations operate in conflict-affected areas – whether through their own activities or through business dealings – they may become an actor in the conflict. They may be profiting from or contributing to a conflict, whether knowingly or not. But if they operate in a responsible and conflict-sensitive way, they can play a positive role in the peace-building process.

With local partners, SOMO exposes the impacts of corporate activities in conflict-affected areas. We advocate for implementation of relevant normative frameworks, such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, designed specifically to prevent human rights and environmental abuses in conflict-affected areas.

We aim to empower local organisations and communities in conflict-affected areas to critically analyse the impact of the private sector and help them hold corporations to account for their conduct. We research corporate business strategies and the role of investors, and study the incentives given by states to attract foreign direct investment in conflict-affected areas. We press states to adopt and enforce legislation that prioritises the public interest over the private interest of foreign investors