Read the Initial Assessment published by the NCP 21 August 2025: English
On 20 April 2023, Asamblea Campesina, SOMO and PAX for Peace (three NGOs) submitted a specific instance to the Dutch NCP, alleging that the Port of Amsterdam, an unlisted public limited company, owned by the Municipality of Amsterdam, had not observed the General Policies (Chapter II) and Human Rights (Chapter IV) provisions of the Guidelines. Specifically, issues concerned the alleged failure of the company to conduct adequate human rights due diligence in relation to the enterprise’s business relationships within the coal supply chain, which are reportedly linked to ongoing adverse human rights impacts, particularly forced displacement in Cesar, Colombia.
The original submission concerned seven companies, all of which were part of the coal supply chain. Four of these companies were headquartered in Germany, outside of the Netherlands. The concerned NCPs decided to split the submission into six separate procedures (the submission having in the meantime been withdrawn in respect of one company), in close consultation with the parties. Three procedures will be led by the Dutch NCP, and three procedures will be led by the German NCP. The Dutch NCP is therefore co-ordinating closely with the German NCP, to ensure a consistent and coherent application of the Guidelines. The Dutch NCP is also co-ordinating with the Colombian NCP, as the alleged human rights abuses took place in Colombia. Both the German and the Colombian NCP were invited to comment on the draft initial assessment.
On 21 August 2025, the Dutch NCP published its initial assessment, deciding to accept the case for further examination. The NCP made an offer of good offices to the parties, which they both accepted.
This submission has been split into six procedures; related entries can be found here: Asamblea Campesina, SOMO, PAX for Peace & Port of Rotterdam Authority; Asamblea Campesina, SOMO, PAX for Peace & Port of Rotterdam Authority