"Companies call for human rights due diligence laws", 11 February 2021

The government is currently analysing the feasibility of introducing such legislation, with the University of Luxembourg consulting stakeholders to weigh the costs and benefits of national laws. The grand duchy previously said it would favour an EU-wide approach...

...The businesses include Naturata, Biog, Luxlait and Grosbusch but also ThyssenKrupp and Peintures Robin, among others...

...The European Commission is in the process of consulting member countries and stakeholders with a view to developing a directive. If adopted, this would force EU countries to at least enforce minimum standards.

Luxembourg last year launched a human rights due diligence action plan based around awareness-raising, some pilot projects and voluntary commitments...

...A December 2020 survey by the Initiative Devoir de Vigilance said 92% of respondents supported human rights due diligence, with 85% agreeing that damaged parties should be able to sue companies in Luxembourg over their violation of the rights of workers or local communities where they operate...

The business statement landing page (in French) can be accessed here.