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Amnesty International’s business and human rights policy adviser Hanna spoke on Friday ahead of a crucial vote on a landmark new European Union business law to protect human rights, for which the German government is threatening to withdraw its previous support. Mr Storey said:
“All EU member states should unconditionally support and approve this bill. There is a possibility that Germany will withdraw its previous support and sink this important new EU supply chain law at the final stage. It’s scandalous that this is threatening to happen, and we urge all other states to continue voting in favor of this bill.
It is scandalous that Germany is threatening to withdraw its previous support and potentially sink this important new EU supply chain law in its final stages. We urge all other states to continue voting in favor of this bill.
Hannah Storey, Business and Human Rights Policy Advisor, Amnesty International
“This law is an important step toward better protecting human rights, the climate, and the environment. Victims of U-turns include those working in exploitative conditions, those who have lost their homes to illegal evictions, those who have lost their homes to illegal evictions, and the environment. This would include people who have become ill due to pollution.
“Harmonizing EU supply chain laws will ensure that big companies are not profiting from human suffering and stop them from ignoring their supply chains and business activities wherever they occur. This law should be adopted because it can serve as a safeguard against current and future harm and will help bring justice to existing victims of abuse.”
background
The European Parliament, Council and Commission have agreed on a compromise bill for December 2023, which is expected to be approved by Council member states on 9 February. This step is usually considered a formality. Germany’s coalition government previously agreed to uphold EU supply chain legislation, formally known as the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). However, the German government has now said it plans to abstain from voting, which would be tantamount to voting “no” in accordance with EU Council procedures. If other states follow Germany’s example, the law is at risk of failing to secure the necessary majority on the board.
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