Business and Human Rights Fora | European Countries’ Practices and Reflections on Corporate Due Diligence Legislations

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Business and Human Rights Fora | European Countries’ Practices and Reflections on Corporate Due Diligence Legislations

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Business and Human Rights Fora: European Countries’ Practices and Reflections on Corporate Due Diligence Legislations

Time: September 30, 2024 (Monday) 15:00-17:00 Taipei time

Location: online meeting (zoom)

Speakers:

  • Chloé Pasmantier｜Avocate à la Cour, International Federation for Human Rights
  • Kristina Hatas｜International Law and Policy Advisor, Amnesty International Germany

Host:

  • Eeling Chiu｜Executive Director, Amnesty International Taiwan

Registration: https://forms.gle/usS6cM4WVxMieGc57 (Registration is open until 9/27 or until the quota is full)

Language: Mainly in English, with simultaneous interpretation in Chinese

—Organizers—

  • Covenants Watch
  • Amnesty International Taiwan
  • Taiwan Transnational Corporations Watch (TTNC Watch)

 

The first three forums of the “Business and Human Rights Fora” introduced corporate due diligence regulations and guidelines at the regional level, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in July 2024, and the OECD updated 2023 Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNE Guidelines). Now, we turn our attention to the national level, focusing on the legislation and implementation of corporate due diligence obligations in European countries. Following the United Nations’ issuance of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in 2011, which established the three pillars for how states and businesses should protect and respect human rights, many European countries have adopted this framework and enacted domestic corporate due diligence regulations. Examples include France’s 2017 Corporate Duty of Vigilance Law and Germany’s 2021 Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. 

After the promotion of corporate due diligence legislation, European countries have faced challenges with businesses struggling to fulfill their obligations. Civil society also faces difficulties in utilizing mechanisms for monitoring and accountability. For businesses, a lack of clear guidelines may leave companies uncertain about how to conduct due diligence or impact assessment. For civil society, it is challenging to identify effective channels to assist individuals affected by corporate behaviors in filing complaints and raising awareness. With the recent adoption and updates of the EU’s CSDDD and the OECD’s MNE Guidelines, how European countries will incorporate these regional regulations and guidelines into domestic law will be a key focus in the coming years.