Sinn Féin National Chairperson, Declan Kearney MLA has highlighted the significance of the party’s work in mainstreaming ethical procurement policies within local Councils across Ireland.
Noting recent developments, he said, “During the last two years, Sinn Féin public representatives have been pro-actively encouraging the adoption of ethical procurement policies by local authorities throughout Ireland.
“So far, 23 Councils north and south have now adopted motions urging the implementation of ethical procurement policies.
“Sinn Féin teams in the Assembly and Leinster House have also advocated strongly for human rights and ethical standards to govern procurement and investment processes within those legislative bodies.
“Our objective is to ensure that no public contracts are awarded to companies proved to have violated environmental, social, employment or international law, or human rights. I strongly welcome the support for these ongoing efforts from other political parties.
“The United Nations has already evidenced corporations and businesses which are profiting from protracted armed conflicts and systematic violations of human rights.
“The ‘UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights’, ‘OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises’ and ‘Global Sullivan Principles (1999)’ set out clear and robust standards with which corporations and businesses should comply. These principles served as the reference point in calling for the adoption of these groundbreaking motions.
“Sinn Féin deplores any profiteering from systematic violations of human rights or international law. No council authority in Ireland should be directly, or indirectly, actively or potentially complicit in such profiteering. Historically Ireland has shown significant moral courage and solidarity on such key justice priorities. The 23 Councils which have taken these positions to date are to be congratulated for their political leadership.
“The Irish Government should now follow the lead shown by our Councils and ensure that state investment and procurement policies are fully consistent with the highest ethical and human rights standards, and international law.”
