Environmental and Human Rights Due Diligence in Supply Chains of Major Corporations: The Case of the German Supply Chain Act

Jernej Letnar Černič

Environmental and Human Rights Due Diligence in Supply Chains of Major Corporations: The Case of the German Supply Chain Act

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62983/rn2865.24b.4

Keywords: human rights protection, environmental protection, economy, due diligence, corporate responsibility, German Supply Chain Law

Abstract:
States and corporations increasingly recognize their negative and positive obligations to protect human rights and environment in the economy. The positive obligations of corporations also encompass the identification, monitoring, supervision, and implementation of measures to safeguard human rights and the environment within their supply chains. Given the interconnected nature of the global economy across multiple levels, numerous challenges arise in effectively ensuring human dignity. In recent years, some European countries have enacted domestic laws establishing environmental and human rights due diligence obligations in global supply chains. Among these, the German Supply Chain Act stands out as a model for implementing due diligence mechanisms in the supply chains of major corporations. This article examines its key concepts, highlights its advantages and shortcomings.

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