Closing gaps in protection: transnational cooperation on human rights; the case of the extractive sector in Colombia

Abstract

As the German energy sector has close ties with the Columbian mining sector, human rights issues in Colombia's mining regions need to be seen in a transnational context. This translates into diverse options for action and shared responsibilities on both ends of the coal supply chain with respect to the human rights impacts. As the constellation of actors involved is complex, it is not always obvious who bears precisely what sort of responsibility for what. Moreover, this complex constellation is itself embedded in a transnational economic structure. This allows gaps in human rights protection to open. This analysis reveals that new opportunities to take action are necessary. Transnational cooperation can help closing gaps in protection and provide more transparency.