UN welcomes Samsung's decision to compensate its sick workers in South Korea

The agreement signed on 24 July 2018, between the electronics giant and the civil society group representing workers, marks a milestone in a decade-long dispute over allegations of unhealthy working conditions at Samsung Electronics.

The UN expert on toxics and human rights has welcomed a decision by the electronics giant Samsung to accept unconditionally an arbitration proposal on compensation for South Korean workers who have suffered serious illnesses while working for the company and on measures to prevent any recurrence.

"I am pleased that Samsung Electronics will accept the results of the pending arbitration over the loss of life and health impacts on workers manufacturing their products," said Baskut Tuncak, the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of hazardous substances and wastes.

"This is a step in the right direction by a global business enterprise, recognizing their responsibility for providing victims an effective remedy and what I hope will ensure higher standards in worker protection to prevent any recurrence, although I would have wished to see this decision taken years ago," the expert added.

"I encourage Samsung and other businesses in the electronics sector to further enhance the protection of workers throughout their global operations," Mr. Tuncak said.

The agreement signed on 24 July 2018, between the electronics giant and the civil society group representing workers, marks a milestone in a decade-long dispute over allegations of unhealthy working conditions at Samsung Electronics.

More than 250 workers have alleged that their health has been affected by exposure to toxic substances in the manufacture of semiconductor chips and LCD panels. Some have become ill with cancer, some have suffered miscarriages and there has been a range of other health issues.

The alleged victims were mostly women of reproductive age and their children. The issues were addressed by the Special Rapporteur during his 2015 visit to South Korea.

"Workers' rights are human rights. No one should be denied their basic human rights, including the rights to life and health because of the work they perform," stressed Mr. Tuncak.

"Businesses have responsibilities throughout the lifecycle of their products, from the extraction of raw materials, through to manufacture, use, and final disposal, as well as up and down their supply chains. They have a responsibility to ensure that they and their suppliers, both at home and abroad, adopt good practices to prevent exposure to toxic substances through their products' lifecycles, their operations, and their services."

The Special Rapporteur hopes to see further positive steps being taken in the future, including protection of the rights of victims across the manufacturing sectors of electrical and electronic products by Samsung, in addition to those covered by the present agreement.

In September, Mr. Tuncak will present a report to the UN Human Rights Council, calling on States and employers to strengthen protection for workers from exposure to toxic substances, and proposing appropriate guidelines.