WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Global business, global responsibility – this is the claim put forward by the Swiss initiative for responsible business. The initiative demands that corporate groups headquartered in Switzerland assume responsibility and respect human rights and international environmental standards worldwide. Two components are at the core of the initiative: due diligence and a liability mechanism.
Accordingly, companies must check whether their business activities pose a risk for people and for the environment; they must take measures against these risks, and they must inform the public about the risks and the measures taken against them. The liability mechanism complements due diligence: in the event of human rights violations or environmental damage caused by subsidiaries or controlled companies abroad, the company’s headquarters in Switzerland are liable – except where the company can prove that is has shown due diligence. By doing so, the company is relieved of any liability.
The underlying principle of this mechanism is simple: Whoever causes damage should assume responsibility for it.
WHY WE SUPPORT THE INITIATIVE
Save the Children takes action together with private individuals, foundations, churches, public authorities, as well as companies, conducting projects that will help the most disadvantaged children. Our organisation is funded exclusively through donations. Without the wonderful support of all these bodies, we would not be able to continue our work for children.
We also collaborate with companies, supporting them in respecting and implementing children’s rights in their daily business practices. By doing so, we ensure that the direct and indirect effects that a company has on children are entirely positive.
With its commitment to due diligence, the initiative is of a strongly preventive nature. Companies should ensure that no human rights violations or environmental damage occur in their business activities. The initiative demands nothing more than what we expect of the companies with whom we collaborate. It is thus a logical step for Save the Children Switzerland to support the popular initiative for responsible corporate groups.
LEARN MORE
Do you want to know more about the initiative? You can find more information on the popular initiative for responsible corporate groups here.
Would your company like to commit to a responsible economy? You are not alone. Contact us directly (details below) or join the “Economic Committee for Responsible Companies” (“Wirtschaftskomitee für verantwortungsvolle Unternehmen“) and support the initiative.