Business and human rights

The Federal Council expects companies to respect human rights in the course of their activities in Switzerland and abroad. To this end, it intends to help them implement the UN Guiding Principles and other international guidelines. For this purpose, the Federal Council has adopted a National Action Plan on “Business and Human Rights”.

© SECO

The NAP 2024–2027

The NAP 2024–2027 is Switzerland's instrument for implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) coordinate its implementation. The NAP 2024–2027 sets out the Federal Council's expectations of companies regarding the respect of human rights and supports them in implementing these requirements within their economic activities. The specific objectives of the NAP are to: communicate the Federal Council's expectations to companies; raise awareness among companies on due diligence and human rights; strengthen collaboration between companies and the State; and improve the coherence of State activities.

• The National Action Plan on ‘Business and Human Rights’ (2024–2027)

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The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

The NAP 2024–2027 is designed on the basis of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These principles set out the distinct but complementary roles that States and businesses must assume to prevent any negative impact of their activities on human rights.

The UN Guiding Principles are structured around three pillars:

The first pillar of the UN Guiding Principles represents the obligations incumbent on States to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms. The second pillar refers to the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights, including the due diligence required to this end. The third pillar represents the responsibility of States and businesses to ensure that injured persons can obtain effective remedy.

Pillar II: Corporate responsibility and business support

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.

• Multi-stakeholder initiatives

  Switzerland plays an active role in supporting various multi-stakeholder initiatives, including the cocoa, gold, textiles and coffee sectors, and in implementing the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.

• Guidelines and practical tools

  For some companies, particularly SMEs, implementing due diligence procedures and managing risks can be a significant challenge. Switzerland develops guidelines, guides, brochures and practical tools to help companies understand and apply human rights due diligence.

• 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.

• Awareness-raising events

  As part of the NAP, events are regularly organised to support businesses. The events will provide inspiration and practical support for Swiss companies of different size and industries in implementing human rights due diligence. The events also aim to present the latest national and international developments in regulations and standards.

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