European Commission should establish rules for companies to respect human rights & to improve access to justice for victims, say NGOs
"Corporate accountability: Is the EU ready to listen?", 20 Oct 2016
...Earlier this year, eight EU parliaments sent a letter to the European Commission, urging the institution to take serious action and develop an ambitious legal proposal requiring corporate respect of human rights...
...While the Commission is slow to respond, France is already debating a bill on corporate duty of vigilance for human rights abuses, and Switzerland is preparing for a referendum on corporate accountability...
...A new draft law could mark a significant shift in the field of business and human rights, establishing a legally binding obligation for parent and subcontracting companies to identify and prevent human rights impacts throughout their supply chains and established business relationships...
...The developments in France and Switzerland are evidence of a global shift towards stronger corporate accountability. The Commission has a major role to play in breaching remaining governance and legislative gaps, and in pushing for similar measures to be put in place by member states...