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Proposed Labor and Human Rights Policy Statement

INTRODUCTION

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is posting a proposed Labor and Human Rights Policy Statement to ensure that the public is aware of policy requirements that OPIC applies to projects seeking OPIC support. These policies are based on statutory requirements found in the Foreign Assistance Act and specific policy commitments made by OPIC with respect to labor and human rights policies and procedures.

During the forthcoming 60 days, beginning on August 4, 2010, OPIC will seek comments from a broad range of public stakeholders through this website. Within 45 days after the close of the comment period OPIC will publish a summary of all comments made, and its response to the comments. OPIC intends to combine the final version of the revised Labor and Human Rights Policy Statement with the final Environmental and Social Policy Statement into one whole document. Should there be in OPIC’s view, sufficient widespread interest among stakeholders in further dialogue, OPIC will schedule stakeholder meetings during or after the comment period.

The proposed Labor and Human Rights Policy Statement provides investors, lenders and project sponsors notice of the general labor and human rights requirements that OPIC applies, as appropriate, in evaluating prospective projects seeking OPIC support and monitoring on-going OPIC-supported projects. Key aspects include the following:  

  • The proposed Policy Statement adopts, as a benchmark for the labor and human rights review process, the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability. In those areas in which current OPIC policies may be more rigorous, the Policy Statement retains the current OPIC policy.
  • The proposed Policy Statement outlines OPIC policies based on statutory requirements.

COMMENT SUBMISSION

Comments may be submitted by using the online form or sent to OPIC by mail, email or fax.
Dates:  Comments must be received on or before October 2, 2010.

Address: Comments should be submitted to Ms. Connie Tzioumis, Office of Investment Policy, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, 1100 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20527

Privacy Policy: The comments that you provide to OPIC are collected voluntarily and will be publicly disclosed on OPIC’s website. By providing comments you are consenting to their use and consideration by OPIC. For additional information regarding submitting comments containing confidential business information, please contact OPIC directly.  For additional information regarding OPIC’s Privacy Policy click here.

For Further Information: Contact Connie Tzioumis by telephone at (202) 336-8603, by facsimile transmission at (202) 218-0222 or via e-mail at labor@opic.gov.

ONLINE COMMENT FORM

 Click here to access the Online Comment Form

DRAFT LABOR AND HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY STATEMENT 

Click here   to read the Proposed Labor and Human Rights Policy Statement

PUBLICATION OF COMMENTS RECEIVED

 No comments received at this time.

OPIC RESPONSE TO COMMENTS RECEIVED

No response to comments received at this time.