EU Position on UN Binding Instrument for Business and Human Rights

by name voted on 18.01.2024

Summary

The European Parliament urges the EU to take a leading role in negotiating a UN treaty that makes corporations legally accountable for human rights and environmental abuses.

9 18.01.2024

Report

justice

labour law

environment

human rights

social policy

european union

public administration

administrative reform

international relations

business and competition

Key points

The European Parliament calls for the EU to adopt an ambitious mandate to actively participate in UN negotiations for a binding treaty on business and human rights.
There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that victims of corporate abuses, especially vulnerable groups, have effective access to justice and reparations.
The proposed treaty should cover the entire global value chain, meaning companies are responsible for what happens in their supply chains.
Regulations must be proportionate, providing safeguards so that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not unfairly burdened by complex requirements.