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For business leaders or advocates of responsible corporate practices, the new resources provide crucial insights, guidelines, and practical tools to bolster human rights in business operations. Photo: A woman on a walk in Achiase, Ghana (SWISSCO)

Supporting companies in strengthening human rights

Businesses ought to flourish while respecting the dignity and rights of every individual. New materials are available to aid companies in implementing human rights due diligence. These materials are in line with international standards, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The consulting company focusright, in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), has created significant resources to assist companies in upholding human rights throughout their value chain. Focusright works with companies from various sectors to strengthen their management systems to identify and address their human rights risks.

As part of the National Action Plan "Business and Human Rights" (NAP) 2020 - 2023, focusright has crafted support materials, now available on the federal government's NAP information platform along with further guidelines and practical tools for companies.

These materials not only assist companies in implementing human rights due diligence but also align with international standards, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Whether you're a business leader or an advocate for responsible corporate practices, these resources offer essential insights, guidelines, and practical tools.

Materials for an introduction to human rights due diligence:

  1. Step by step practical guide for companies on implementing human rights due diligence

  2. Webinar on the introduction to human rights due diligence (recording of the webinar & presentation)

  3. Explanatory videos on the implementation of human rights due diligence and implementation of the human rights risk assessment
     

Materials with in-depth information on specific aspects of due diligence:

  1. Q&A for companies on the role of sustainability initiatives (certificates, social audits, supplier management tools) in human rights due diligence
  2. Q&A for companies on responsible business conduct in conflict-affected and high-risk areas
  3. Podcast series on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in practice

For further support on how to implement respect for human rights and labour rights, you can also refer to the events, materials and activities offered by the Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding the federal support measures, you can contact the SECO e-mail address: info.nap-bhr(at)seco.admin.ch

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