Cividep-India is an NGO based in Bangalore, started in the year 2000 in the backdrop of concerns arising out of the liberalisation of the Indian economy and a political ‘consensus’ around export-led economic growth. Globally, the manufacturing sector was being restructured into supply chains for the world market, weakening labour rights and redefining industrial relations.

Further impoverishment of and discrimination against the already marginalised sections of society such as women, workers and indigenous peoples through economic exclusion are central to concerns about market led globalisation. Cividep studies the effects of corporate activities on communities and the environment, helps workers unionise and campaigns with many other organisations and individuals for workers’ rights and corporate accountability.

Our workers’ rights initiatives have been in the garment and electronics manufacturing sectors. In corporate accountability, we work to ensure that companies respect human rights and conduct business in a socially responsible manner. With partners in India and abroad, we engage in educational, research, campaigning and advocacy activities to protect workers’ rights and to ensure responsible corporate behaviour.

One effect of economic globalisation has been the weakening of the bargaining power of labour. Workers’ movements world over have struggled for a more equitable society where workers would have a greater role in social, economic and political spheres. This new challenge for workers’ rights is more visible in industries that have developed global supply chains such as electronics and garments. Cividep seeks to contribute to workers’ rights by helping workers organise, conducting research on labour standards and campaigning for freedom of association and collective bargaining. See worker’s rights

Considering the negative impacts of corporate activity and the dangerous consequences of growing corporate power, it is important to make corporates accountable for their actions. However, given the global and complex web of business activities, accountability is difficult to realize. There is then a need to work with different actors and use various strategies to effectively hold businesses accountable. We have been networking with movements and organisations in India, working with international instruments like the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Corporations and participating in other developments like the SRSG’s work on Business and Human Rights. See Corporate Accountability

Cividep works in collaboration and synergy with like minded activists and organisations. We are a part of many networks locally and internationally which helps us to draw from experiences and resources of other organisations and to contribute in a concerted manner. See Networks

Cividep has been involved in many initiatives related to social standards and corporate accountability. Our activities include:

• organising and participating in campaigns
• researching and studying labour and social standards in sectors such as garments and electronics
• publishing reports and articles
• conducting workshops and seminars
• producing worker education manuals
• media activities like production of documentary films, radio programmes and monthly newsletter
• Legal counselling and litigation support for workers.