Pillar I: State duty to protect
The first pillar of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) establishes the protection of human rights as a core state responsibility. Switzerland meets this obligation through its National Action Plan (NAP).
The NAP translates these commitments into targeted measures across a range of policy areas.
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.
Commodities trading
The commodities sector is a key pillar of the Swiss economy, particularly in hubs such as Geneva, Zug and Lugano. It makes a significant contribution to global supply chains and the country’s economic revenue. Aware of the human rights challenges involved, Switzerland promotes responsible business conduct in this area. In this context, it has supported the development of a guide for the implementation of the UNGPs, specifically tailored to the commodities sector. This guide, available at www.commodity-trading.org, was developed using a multi-stakeholder approach involving authorities, businesses and civil society. It provides concrete guidance on strengthening due diligence and better managing risks. This initiative reflects Switzerland’s commitment to a more responsible sector, based on dialogue and cooperation.
Federal government-associated businesses
The Federal Administration supports federal government-associated limited companies and works with boards of directors to discuss human rights-related requirements and promote the implementation of the UNGPs.
Public procurement
The Federal Administration provides an updated tool for analysing the risk of non-compliance with the core ILO labour rights for each country.
Coherence between trade agreements and human rights
Switzerland incorporates human rights provisions into its free trade and investment agreements, conducts sustainable development impact assessments and informs the social partners of the results.
Digital space and new technologies
Implementation of the UNGPs is strengthened in two new areas: the digital space and new technologies.
Trade promotion
The Confederation raises awareness among federal and cantonal agencies in charge of promotion activities, as well as chambers of commerce, of human rights due diligence, and encourages companies to conduct human rights due diligence in relation to their international business activities.
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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