Key developments in mandatory human rights due diligence and supply chain law

Considerations for employers

The past few years have seen the emergence of several legislative developments related to the business and human rights agenda; most recently, in summer 2021, the German and the Norwegian parliaments adopted a new law on corporate due diligence in the supply chains. An important focus in the discussions on business and human rights is on mandatory human rights due diligence. This paper aims to support the meaningful engagement of the business community in these discussions, by clarifying what the UNGPs say on due diligence; setting out the recent legislative and judicial developments; enumerating the expectations and recommendations of stakeholders and the UN; and highlighting the critical points for business to know and consider. Exploring several national policy responses and regional legislative advancements incl. the UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights, it highlights some key issues linked to legislative due diligence approaches and derives key considerations going forward.

Studies / Research / Report
IOE
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
36 pages
English
Due Diligence
Supply Chain
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights [UNGPs]