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Description
Child labour has increased by 14% globally in the last decade. Palm oil production accounts for 1.4% of greenhouse gas emissions and palm oil is found in half of the products in EU shops. Between 40 and 60 million people work in the textile industry in often undignified conditions. All this despite voluntary commitments by companies.
Much of the human rights violations, negative environmental impacts and climate change impacts occur in the global supply chains of products we use every day in the EU and therefore also in Slovenia. We need to tackle the problem at the individual, societal and political level, as well as by regulating companies. Decision-makers and companies need to take a more active role in engaging with individuals and communities.
Legislation is being adopted at EU level to regulate the situation in supply chains for companies operating in the EU (the ''Corporate sustainability due diligence directive'' - hereafter referred to as the Directive). The current proposal is not sufficient to address the improvement of the problems mentioned above, it is not in line with UN documents and it is not even in line with the very purpose of the legislation - accountability and reparations.
Slovenia is one of the countries with the least capacity to transpose and monitor legislation at national level. Also in Slovenia not all companies have sustainable practices, some operate globally. We need a strengthened civil society watchdog function, and we will build the capacity of civil society and business to work together to advocate for stronger legislation and ambitious solutions to decision-makers.
Our goal is to:
- Deliver better legislation
- Contribute to fairer supply chains - solving victims'' problems
- Actively involve Slovenian stakeholders in the legislative process
Summary of project results
Strong legislation is key to reducing exploitation and promoting more ethical supply chains (climate change, destroyed local environments, living conditions, workers'' rights, children''s and adults'' rights). In Slovenia, there are also instances of violations (human/labor rights, environmental issues) – we know of cases of worker exploitation. Greater protection of human rights and the environment in global supply chains and corporate responsibility through the adoption of EU legislation and company education in Slovenia, along with the preparation of a handbook. Involvement of decision-makers in the legislative process and a clear plan for the transposition of legislation into Slovenian law.
We have prepared an analysis, guidelines for transposing legislation, and an overview of existing obligations regarding environmental and human rights compliance.
Increased awareness among the general public and civil society about companies'' responsibilities for the environment and human rights.