The Brussels Offices of OHCHR, UNDP, UNEP, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNOPS welcome the European Union’s initiative to introduce the proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The adoption of the Directive would represent a significant advance in the global efforts to respect, protect, and fulfill children’s rights and human rights, support gender equality and address environmental challenges, as well as boost efforts to create a level playing field for businesses.

By requiring large businesses to take reasonable steps to identify and address human rights and environmental risks, the proposed Directive takes its cue from international law and standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct, and from practices that responsible businesses have incorporated into their operations to respect children’s, human and environmental rights.

There is an urgent need for companies to respect these rights. We welcome provisions in the Directive aiming to support companies – large and small – in their efforts to meet international standards. Through the adoption of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, EU Member States and businesses can be a positive force in strengthening the protection and respect of human rights and contributing to climate and environmental objectives.

We commend the ambition shown for this landmark piece of legislation and hope it can be finalized soon to shape a fair and sustainable present and future for everyone.