Voluntary sustainability schemes such as social audits, certifications or supplier management tools are increasingly used by companies as part of their corporate responsibility strategies. These sustainability schemes share a common objective: providing tools and support for companies in the identification and management of social or environmental issues in the value chain. However, applying such schemes does not replace the implementation of a thorough human rights due diligence (HRDD).

Objective

The objective of this webinar is to discuss the contributions and limitations of voluntary sustainability schemes in companies’ HRDD. focusright and representatives from Fairtrade Max Havelaar Switzerland, amfori and the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles will explain how sustainability schemes can support companies in the implementation of HRDD at different stages of their value chain, using practical examples.

Agenda and speakers

- Welcome address by Amina Neves, SECO

- Sustainability schemes: contributions and limitations in the implementation of HRDD – Regula Meng, Matthias Leisinger and Dominic Rietmann, focusright

- Q&A Part 1

- Applying sustainability schemes to support HRDD along the value chain: Practical approaches and example

• Production of raw materials: Certification & projects at the stage of agricultural production – Simone Hutter, Fairtrade Max Havelaar Switzerland
• Final production of the product: Social audits & continuous improvement at the stage of T1+ suppliers – Laura Wauters, amfori
• Own operations: Embedding human rights aspects in own purchasing practices – Thilo Liedlbauer, Partnership for Sustainable Textiles

- Q&A Part 2 and peer exchange

The webinar will be co-facilitated by the GCNSL and focusright. It is organized in cooperation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It is part of measure 3 “Promotion of UN Guiding Principles” of the Swiss National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights 2020-2023. For more information, please refer to: www.nap-bhr.admin.ch/napbhr/en/home.html