About the National Action Plan
The third National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP) 2024–2027 was adopted by the Federal Council on 13 December 2024. It implements the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and strengthens the human rights due diligence obligations of Swiss companies both at home and abroad.
National Action Plan 2024–2027
The NAP 2024–2027 is Switzerland’s instrument for implementing the UN Guiding Principles, coordinated jointly by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It sets out the Federal Council’s expectations of companies on human rights and helps them meet these expectations across their business operations. Its specific objectives are to communicate the Federal Council's expectations to companies, raise awareness of human rights due diligence, strengthen collaboration between business and government, and improve the consistency of government activities.
The Federal Council expects companies based and/or operating in Switzerland to uphold their human rights responsibilities and integrate human rights due diligence into their operations, wherever in the world they do business.
The logframe: a core tool for monitoring the NAP
The logframe (logical framework) is the central monitoring tool for the NAP 2024–2027. Rather than introducing new measures, it organises existing ones within a structure that reflects progressive implementation and established priorities. The fixed elements – target, expected outcome and indicator – underpin the monitoring process, while the tracking information and remarks can be updated as work progresses. As a living document, the logframe will be revised as needed, serving as a shared reference for coherent, transparent and effective NAP management.
Monitoring group
A multi-stakeholder monitoring group comprising representatives of business, civil society, academia and the Federal Administration has operated since 2017. It is consulted on substantive and strategic questions about NAP implementation.
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
The NAP 2024–2027 is based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which set out the distinct but complementary roles that states and companies must fulfil to prevent their activities from harming human rights.
The UNGPs rest on three pillars:
The first pillar covers the state's obligation to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms. The second pillar covers the responsibility of companies to respect human rights, including through due diligence. The third pillar covers the shared responsibility of states and companies to ensure effective remedy for those who have been harmed.
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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