How does the parliamentary counter-proposal differ from the popular initiative (RBI)?

Switzerland: 21 investors with CHF459 bn in assets call on parliament & Federal Council to adopt comprehensive legislation on corporate environmental & human rights due diligence

Date:: 21 Mar 2023
Content Type:: Article

In a letter co-signed by 21 Swiss and international institutional investors, the Ethos Foundation urges the Swiss parliament and the Federal Council to strengthen the environmental and human rights obligations of Swiss companies.

Commentary: Cobalt must be included in Swiss responsible business legislation

Date:: 4 Jun 2021
Content Type:: Article

The authors argue that Switzerland should require responsible sourcing of cobalt under its proposed due diligence legislation, as the mineral's adverse human rights impacts are often overlooked

Switzerland: Responsible Business Initiative rejected at ballot box despite gaining 50.7% of popular vote

Date:: 30 Nov 2020
Content Type:: Article

Ten years in the making, a proposal to hold Swiss companies accountable for their actions abroad was rejected in a nationwide vote on Sunday despite it winning majority popular support.

Swiss to decide on mandatory due diligence and corporate liability in what is expected to be a "knife-edge" vote on Sunday

Date:: 27 Nov 2020
Content Type:: Article

Sunday's public referendum includes due diligence obligations for Swiss companies and possible liability for human rights and environmental abuses abroad.

CERDE & ACCA issue joint statement on recent position taken by Burkinabe Minister of Commerce on the Swiss Responsible Business Initiative

Date:: 20 Nov 2020
Content Type:: Article

During a recent visit to Bern, the Burkinabe Minister of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts marked his disagreement with the Swiss Responsible Business Initiative. Since then, CERDE and ACCA have issued a statement condemning this stance, saying it contradicts the official positions of Burkina Faso regarding the respect by multinational companies of human rights and the environment.

Swiss Responsible Business Initiative enjoys solid support ahead of public referendum on 29 November

Date:: 2 Nov 2020
Content Type:: Article

A proposal to impose due diligence rules on Swiss-based firms active abroad currently stands a chance of winning voters’ approval, pollsters say.

Switzerland: Proposed due diligence regulation would promote effectiveness of Swiss development cooperation, say academics

Date:: 2 Nov 2020
Content Type:: Article

In a joint statement, professors of development economics at different Swiss universities say they believe the Responsible Business Initiative is a suitable instrument for ensuring that the activities of Swiss companies in developing countries promote, rather than impede development.

Swiss Parliament adopts reporting-focused proposal

Date:: 9 Jun 2020
Content Type:: Article

Switzerland to hold referendum on proposed human rights due diligence law

Date:: 9 Jun 2020
Content Type:: Article

Swiss Responsible Business Initiative: Parliamentary committee opts for proposal without liability rules; public to vote in autumn 2020

Date:: 5 Jun 2020
Content Type:: Article

Support for public Responsible Business Initiative continues to grow

Date:: 26 May 2020
Content Type:: Article

Swiss parliamentary process on mandatory human rights due diligence proposal approaches final stage

Date:: 26 May 2020
Content Type:: Article

Switzerland: Lower House reaffirms commitment to proposed human rights due diligence legislation

Date:: 6 Mar 2020
Content Type:: Article

Switzerland: Legal Affairs Committee of Lower House reaffirms commitment to proposed human rights due diligence legislation

Date:: 31 Jan 2020
Content Type:: Article

UN experts raise concerns over Swiss Government's position on 'Responsible Business Initiative'

Date:: 10 Oct 2019
Content Type:: Article

Swiss upper house debate on proposed human rights due diligence legislation postponed

Date:: 30 Sep 2019
Content Type:: Article

Unofficial translation: Statement of the initiative committee on the counter-proposal to the Responsible Business Initiative

Date:: 10 Sep 2019
Content Type:: Article

Legal Affairs Committee of Swiss upper house supports civil liability of companies

Date:: 9 Sep 2019
Content Type:: Article

Legal Affairs Committee of Swiss upper house affirms political will for an indirect counter-proposal to Responsible Business Initiative

Date:: 20 Aug 2019
Content Type:: Article

Swiss National Council insists on Responsible Business counter-proposal

Date:: 13 Jun 2019
Content Type:: Article

Swiss National Council votes in favour of pursuing an amended proposal to the Responsible Business Initiative

Date:: 13 Jun 2019
Content Type:: Article

Switzerland weighs the merits of mandatory human rights due diligence

Date:: 13 Jun 2019
Content Type:: Article

Switzerland: Investors call on parliamentarians to support legislation for mandatory human rights due diligence

Date:: 11 Jun 2019
Content Type:: Article

Switzerland: Responsible business initiative heads closer to public vote as Council of States rejects counter-proposal

Date:: 13 Mar 2019
Content Type:: Article

Commentary: Another step towards the adoption of a mandatory HRDD bill in Switzerland

Date:: 19 Jul 2018
Content Type:: Article