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Human rights issues involving a UK defence equipment company and the sale of munitions to the Government of Saudi Arabia
Lead NCPUnited Kingdom
Supporting NCP(s)
DescriptionSpecific instance submitted by two NGOs regarding the sale of munitions from a UK company to the Government of Saudi Arabia.
Theme(s)Human rights
Date6 Jun 2016
Host country(ies)Saudi Arabia
SourceNGO
Industry sectorPublic administration and defence
StatusNot accepted
Summary

Read the initial assessment issued by the UK NCP – 14 October 2016


On 6 June 2016, the UK NCP received a submission by two NGOs regarding the supply of munitions by a UK company to the government of Saudi Arabia. The NGOs alleged that the company did not address the human rights impacts of its operations and business relationships and therefore did not observe the Guidelines.

Between June and August 2016, the NCP communicated with the NGOs and the company separately.  The NCP made an offer to hold a meeting with both parties to explain the NCP process, which neither party accepted.

On 14 October 2016, the UK NCP published its initial assessment not accepting the specific instance for further examination citing a lack of substantiation of the claims made by the NGOs and that considering the submission further would not serve the purpose and effectiveness of the Guidelines.