The RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector defines what Dutch metallurgical companies have agreed with civil society organizations, trade unions and governments to combat human rights and environmental risks in the metallurgical sector. The parties are committed to addressing these risks individually and collectively. The agreements are based on OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises and will contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals The Responsible Gold Agreement sets out what Dutch businesses and trade associations have agreed with civil society organisations, trade unions and governments. The aim is to ensure respect for human rights, the environment and biodiversity in the gold value chain. Dutch gold companies will do everything in their power to buy gold from responsible sources. Jewellers and goldsmiths inform their customers in more detail about the origin of their gold. As gold production revenues are used to finance violent conflicts in some countries, the parties have committed to eliminating these risks. See the agreement on international investments in the insurance sector on the SER website. The food sector agreement defines what Dutch food companies have agreed with civil society organisations, trade unions and governments. Professional organizations in the sector are committed to ensuring that all of their members recognize and take into account the risks mentioned. The parties announced their intention to launch joint projects on wage and climate issues in the first year.
Trade associations in the insurance sector, civil society organisations, trade unions and the Dutch government have signed the agreement on responsible international investments in the insurance sector. This agreement helps to improve understanding of the international supply chain, thereby preventing and combating human rights violations, environmental abuses and animal suffering. Insurers are expected to conduct an effective risk assessment and, if necessary, adjust their policies accordingly. The Dutch pension funds, the Dutch pension fund association, civil society organisations, trade unions and the Dutch government have signed an agreement on good governance of responsible investment by pension funds. This agreement helps pension funds gain a clearer picture of the international investment chain and thus prevents or fights human rights violations and environmental abuses. In October 2016, ministers, bankers and civil society representatives signed the Dutch Banking Sector Agreement (DBSA) on human rights, one of the « alliances » on good governance developed in various sectors in the Netherlands. The agreement obliges 11 Dutch banks to cooperate with other signatories of civil society, trade unions and the government to fulfil their human rights responsibilities, as set out in the OECD guidelines and the UN guidelines for economic affairs and human rights. BankTrack has followed the agreement since its inception as a non-signedator. A large number of Dutch banks and other organisations have signed the agreement.
If they act together, they can have a greater influence on the current situation. Look who they are. So far, the Dutch government has concluded good governance agreements with Dutch sectors and civil society organisations. The following agreements outline how companies can work with civil society organizations and the government to prevent abuses in the areas of human rights, workers` rights and the environment.