Swiss Business and Human Rights Forum: national platform for promoting best practice
Bern, 18.10.2023 - On 18 October, SECO and the FDFA's State Secretariat organised the second meeting of the Swiss Business and Human Rights Forum in Bern. Over 350 participants, mainly from the business community, discussed current and future issues relating to respect for human rights in economic activities. With this event, the Swiss government seeks to promote multi-stakeholder dialogue and provide Swiss companies with practical tools and concrete approaches to ensure respect for human rights in their operations.
In her opening address, Helene Budliger Artieda, the state secretary for economic affairs, emphasised that the Federal Council expects companies based or operating in Switzerland to fully comply with their human rights responsibilities, irrespective of where they do business. "Due diligence is a driving force for Switzerland's competitiveness and attractiveness as a business location", noted Budliger Artieda.
Bringing together hundreds of participants from the private sector, civil society and academia, the event allowed stakeholders to exchange best practice, and featured plenary sessions and thematic workshops with input from Swiss and international experts. Nada Al-Nashif, the UN deputy high commissioner for human rights and guest of honour at the event, called on all stakeholders to take action to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Recent legislative changes in Switzerland and Europe in the area of due diligence were discussed in order to provide companies with the information and tools they need to comply with the new regulatory framework in which they operate. Other priority themes were also addressed during the event, including due diligence for SMEs, child labour, just transition, respect for human rights in the financial sector, and enhanced due diligence in conflict zones.
National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights
Promoting responsible business conduct is a cornerstone of Switzerland's economic and foreign policy. "Respect for human rights in global value chains is a prerequisite for sustainable development", stressed the FDFA's state secretary, Alexandre Fasel.
The Federal Council adopted the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in 2016 and revised it in 2020. The plan is coordinated jointly by the FDFA's State Secretariat and SECO. Some 50 training courses and awareness-raising events, including the Business and Human Rights Forum, have been organised between 2020 and 2023. A number of practical guides and guidelines for businesses have also been drawn up, including a guide to human rights risk analysis aimed specifically at SMEs and a guide to promoting best practice in the commodities trading sector.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
http://www.seco.admin.ch
