Oikocredit’s Reflections and Ongoing Commitments following the Dutch NCP Mediation Process

…, the mediation process between Oikocredit and the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), Equitable Cambodia (EC) and FIAN Deutschland e.V. (FIAN Germany) (hereinafter collectively ‘the NGOs’), supported by the Dutch National Contact Point (Dutch NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct, came to a close. Prior to the final mediation session, there were two other sessions – one in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2024 where the parties found strong common ground, and an online session in June 2024.

Throughout this process, Oikocredit’s participation has been underpinned by its commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of microfinance borrowers in Cambodia. During the mediation, Oikocredit met not only with its counterparty NGOs, but also with microfinance institutions (MFIs), regulators, investors, official development finance institutions (DFIs) and other civil society organisations. With the support and facilitation of the NGOs, Oikocredit had further discussions with borrowers experiencing distress.

It was and continues to be our commitment to take the allegations brought by the NGOs extremely seriously. Having gone through this process and also having undertaken our own research through various channels, we refute the allegations that Oikocredit has failed to exercise its influence to prevent or mitigate negative human rights impact. We continue our due diligence process among our partners, conduct research to understand the situation among the end clients, and have various systems in place that adhere to strict regulations to protect borrowers…

While the Dutch NCP-mediated process has now ended, our wider efforts continue unabated. We remain focused on supporting people adversely affected by poverty and exclusion in Cambodia and beyond…

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