We, the undersigned companies, business associations, and initiatives, welcome the announcement by the European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders...

The COVID-19 crisis is demonstrating the fragility of global supply chains, and the vulnerabilities this creates and exacerbates for workers, communities and businesses around the world. As we recover and rebuild, we recognise the need for new binding standards which benefit all and promote sustainability...

Mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation has already been introduced, or is under discussion, in a number of EU member states and other countries around the world and has gained substantive public support by businesses. Mandatory legislation can contribute to a competitive level-playing field, increase legal certainty about the standards expected from companies to respect human rights and the environment, clarify legal consequences for when responsibilities are not met, promote engagement and impactful actions between supply chain partners and, above all, trigger and incentivise impactful and effective actions on the ground. EU-wide cross-sectoral legislation, reflecting national developments and with clear accountability, should harmonise these expectations towards companies, ultimately enhancing outcomes for people and the planet.

We therefore welcome the European Union and its member states’ efforts to introduce new mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation, as an integral part of the move to build back a more resilient economy that works for all.

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