About Pillar II: Corporate Responsibility

The second pillar of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) establishes the responsibility of companies to respect human rights through due diligence. The federal government supports companies in meeting this responsibility.

The second pillar of the UNGPs establishes the responsibility of companies to respect human rights through due diligence. The federal government supports companies in meeting this responsibility.

Child labour

The federal government helps companies meet their legal due diligence obligations on child labour, provides analytical tools and promotes the exchange of good practices at national and international level.

Training, governance and corporate practices

The federal government raises awareness among higher education institutions and the private sector of their legal obligations and international human rights standards. It strengthens dialogue on corporate responsibility within the business community and supports SMEs and large companies alike through practical guides, due diligence tools and awareness-raising events for management and boards.

Due diligence and the energy transition

In order to help businesses implement human rights due diligence processes as part of measures to combat climate change, the federal government organises events in collaboration with the relevant sectors.

Financial and investment services

Thanks to the Confederation's support, actors in the field of investment and financial services are aware of the influence they exert on promoting respect for human rights in companies' activities and use the levers at their disposal to promote sustainability. Awareness-raising events are organised and specific information is made available.

Women, children and vulnerable groups

The Federal Administration expresses its expectations that special attention is paid to women and children in relation to human rights due diligence.

Sport and human rights

The federal government encourages international sports federations based in Switzerland to implement the UNGPs and organises an annual dialogue for host countries of major sporting events. He also develops specific guidance and tools and continues its participation in the initiative.

Related topics

Contacts

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
Labour Directorate
International Labour Affairs
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern

State Secretariat FDFA
Peace and Human Rights Division
Human Rights Diplomacy Section
Effingerstrasse 27
CH - 3003 Bern

[e-mail]