News Release
US government issues business advisory to alert companies, individuals of risks of business with Sudan’s state-owned enterprises, military-controlled companies
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today issued a Business Advisory on Sudan to highlight the growing reputational risks to American businesses and individuals conducting business with Sudanese state-owned enterprises and military-controlled companies. The departments of the Treasury, State and Commerce collaborated in issuing the advisory.
The risks arise from recent actions undertaken by Sudan’s government, including using violence to suppress protests and committing other human rights abuses. While certain risks existed before the country’s October 2021 military takeover, actions by the Sudanese security forces since then have exacerbated risks and could adversely impact U.S. businesses, individuals and others and their operations in Sudan and the region.
“In places where democracy is in peril, the absence of worker protections can lead to the most egregious labor abuses,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Today’s Business Advisory on Sudan alerts U.S.-based businesses of the risks of doing business with enterprises and companies owned or controlled by the Sudanese government or its military. The advisory also reminds businesses that dealing with corrupt and violent military-controlled governments props them up, and allows labor and human right abuses to continue.”
The department strongly encourages businesses and individuals with operations in Sudan and the surrounding region raise their level of due diligence to avoid the clear reputational risks of association with the government.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs provides its List of Goods Produced with Child Labor or Forced Labor to help businesses review their supply chains and avoid complicity in labor violations. Gold from Sudan appears on this list as a good produced with child labor.
In addition, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls provides a list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. U.S. businesses and individuals should take care to avoid interaction with any persons on this list.
