The external and independent evaluation carried out in 2023 established that more than 80% of the measures in the NAP 2020-2023 had been implemented. Most of the services, tools and initiatives remain available. However, one measure under the second pillar has been updated and strengthened.
Update of measures in the 2020-2023 National Action Plan
Promoting efforts to end all forms of child exploitation in supply chains
Update: Since 1 January 2022, companies based in Switzerland have been required to comply with due diligence obligations as well as with reporting obligations if there is reasonable suspicion that the products or services they offer were produced or supplied with the involvement of child labour (see Article 964j ff.CO and DDTrO). The Federal Administration supports the implementation of these legal obligations by providing an analytical tool and cooperating with child labour-related platforms set up by international organisations.
Responsibility: EAER, FDJP
New measures of the 2024-2027 National Action Plan
Measure 3: Promote human rights in training, governance and business practices
Measure 4: Promote human rights due diligence in relation to the energy transition
Measure 5: Investment, financing and consultancy services
Measure 6: Take women and children into account in the due diligence process
Measure 7: Sport and human rights
In order to promote a responsible corporate culture that respects human rights, several overlapping initiatives are implemented. Universities and other institutions that provide business administration and management training are informed of the 'business and human rights' issue so that they will familiarise future business leaders with the concept of corporate responsibility. In parallel, the private sector is actively informed of legal obligations and international standards, with a focus on regulatory developments in Switzerland and abroad. Sector-based dialogues, with the support of business associations, are carried out in priority sectors that have been identified as having particular responsibility in the area of human rights. Lastly, greater emphasis is placed on promoting due diligence among senior managers and boards of directors, including within SMEs, so that human rights will be incorporated into corporate governance at all levels. The combined effect of these activities is to help prevent abuses and promote responsibility and transparency.
| Objective | Indicator | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
The rectors of Swiss higher education institutions are informed of the 'business and human rights' issue. They are familiar with the underlying concern, which is that business and economics students should be taught, as part of their curriculum, the importance of respect for human rights. The private sector is informed of human rights related legal obligations and international standards. The sector-based dialogue for enhancing the accountability of companies in priority sectors is strengthened. Human rights due diligence is promoted in the private sector. |
Documentation appropriate to the target audience is sent to the higher education institutions in question. Based on needs, and upon invitation, the NAP is presented to interested higher education institutions/training programmes during an information meeting. Information meetings on legal obligations and international standards are held. Sector-based dialogues are held, with the active participation of priority sectors and target sectors. Recommendations are adopted following the dialogues. Companies, including SMEs, have received information on due diligence and the role of senior managers and boards of directors. |
EAER/SECO FDJP/FOJ FDFA/STS EAER/SERI |
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) definition, the just transition seeks to ensure that the efforts expended to make the economy greener are as fair and inclusive as possible for everyone affected, while creating opportunities for decent work and leaving no one behind. Human rights due diligence stands as a precious contribution to the just transition, in particular with regard to supply chains for new sources of energy. To help companies implement human rights due diligence in relation to this transition, the Federal Administration will organise events with relevant sectors, in conjunction with outside partners.
| Objective | Indicator | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Companies implement human rights due diligence as part of measures to combat climate change. | A multi-stakeholder dialogue and other events with the relevant sectors are organised by the Federal Administration, in conjunction with outside partners. | EAER/SECO FDFA/STS FDFA/SDC |
Investments and financing have a special role to play in terms of their influence and leverage effect on companies. For this reason, the NAP has also been prepared for actors in the areas of investment, financing and consultancy services. Financial institutions can promote sustainable financial services and thus contribute to respect for human rights, while consultancies can help companies integrate the UN Guiding Principles into their activities.
By working together closely, financial actors can promote high human rights standards throughout global value chains and, in so doing, contribute to a more sustainable business environment.
| Objective | Indicator | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and investment actors are aware of their influence in promoting respect for human rights in business activities and use available means to promote sustainability. | Awareness-raising events are held, and specific information is made available. | EAER/SECO FDFA/STS FDF/SIF |
Women and children in particular can be affected by the negative repercussions of business activities on human rights. In conducting due diligence, companies have to pay special attention to them. The Federal Administration will express its expectations that companies address the impact of their activities on all groups, including women, children and people at risk.
| Objective | Indicator | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| In conducting due diligence, companies address the impact of their activities on women and children. | The Federal Administration expresses its expectations that special attention is paid to women and children in relation to human rights due diligence. | FDFA/STS EAER/SECO |
Numerous international sports federations are based in Switzerland, which is a founding member of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights. As part of its duty to protect human rights, Switzerland has a major role to play in sport. The federal government, together with the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, will remain in dialogue with all stakeholders in the sporting world, including Swiss based international sports federations in particular, and will help them adopt and apply human rights-related policies. It will also remain in dialogue with states that host major sporting events, sharing with them best practices and lessons learned so that they recognise their role in protecting human rights whenever they host sporting events.
| Objective | Indicator | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
International sports federations incorporate human rights into their governance and operations. The governments of other states recognise their role in protecting human rights whenever they host sporting events. |
Swiss-based actors in the sport ecosystem, including international sports federations, adopt and implement human rights policies. Host states take part in an annual dialogue organised by Switzerland in order to discuss challenges and best practices. |
FDFA/STS |
