Latest news with #UNGuidingPrinciples
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
The European Union calls for international accountability for violations in Palestine
Amir haggag The European Union expressed its deep concern on Thursday over the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, stressing the need for accountability for violations of international law and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all detainees. In a statement delivered by the European Union mission during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the EU affirmed, as published on the official website of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Commission, its continued cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Working Group on Business and Human Rights to promote the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles in this area. The European Union emphasized its commitment to respecting international law and implementing its legislation on products from settlements, in accordance with relevant bilateral technical arrangements. It emphasized that all agreements concluded with Israel must explicitly stipulate that they do not apply to the territories occupied by Israel in 1967, without this constituting a boycott of the Israeli state, which the European Union strongly opposes. The EU also called for the removal of all restrictions on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, in accordance with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. It reiterated its condemnation of the escalation of violence in the West Bank, due to settler violence, settlement expansion, the Israeli military operation, and the increase in attacks against Israel. The statement concluded by reaffirming the EU's call on all parties to fully cooperate with the Human Rights Council mechanisms and respect their mandates. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU urged to align sustainability due diligence with global standards
While the coalition acknowledges the European Commission's initiative to simplify due diligence for businesses, it cautions against any oversimplification that might dilute due diligence efforts. It also argues that the current proposal could inadvertently complicate risk management, increase unpredictability, and inflate corporate expenses. This alliance, comprising amfori, Cascale, Ethical Trade Norway, ETI Sweden, Fair Labor Association, Fair Wear, and the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), represents a collective of over 6,000 member companies and affiliates across ethical supply chain management. The joint statement comes against the backdrop of the EU's Omnibus proposal, designed to streamline regulations to enhance competitiveness and spur investment. The coalition's recommendations to EU policymakers include: 1. Preservation of a proportionate and risk-based approach: The present Omnibus proposal diminishes due diligence obligations by limiting them to direct suppliers, unless a company possesses credible information regarding indirect partners. This shift towards a reactive approach—where comprehensive assessments are conducted only after a potential harm is identified—may result in increased remediation costs. In contrast, a proactive, prevention-oriented risk-based approach, aligned with the UN Guiding Principles and OECD Guidelines, would be more effective in mitigating risks. 2. Effective risk management for sound business operations: Significant risks within global supply chains frequently extend beyond immediate suppliers. Continuous due diligence is crucial; it should not be limited to occasional assessments of a few suppliers. Imposing arbitrary restrictions can heighten business risks and expenses, while a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain, coupled with robust risk management practices, enhances preparedness and resilience. 3. The importance of stakeholder engagement: Excluding national human rights and environmental bodies along with civil society organisations from mandatory engagement could impair companies' ability to devise effective prevention and remediation strategies. Their exclusion would result in a loss of crucial expertise. 4. Harmonised enforcement for legal certainty: Implementing EU-wide mandatory due diligence legislation is expected to provide clearer expectations and greater legal certainty for businesses. This harmonisation should extend beyond the due diligence standards to include the associated enforcement mechanisms. The current proposal, however, risks creating a fragmented litigation landscape. 5. Certainty for invested businesses under CSRD: Invested businesses require a stable and predictable environment. Narrowing the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) would exclude 80% of the companies currently subject to its requirements. This change could undermine the efforts of those organisations that have been preparing for compliance, leaving them to grapple with legal uncertainties and internal challenges. Additionally, the Omnibus proposal aims to reduce the "trickle-down effects" on non-reporting companies. However, this strategy risks disrupting alignment with other EU regulations that necessitate engagement with suppliers and the collection of value chain data. The coalition is confident that it is possible to simplify due diligence and reporting requirements while still adhering to the essence of international standards. It urged co-legislators to collaborate with them in order to ensure that the simplification process is both effective and impactful. Earlier this month, European fashion and textile sector trade bodies welcomed the EC's plans to delay sustainability reporting, noting it allows companies sufficient time to understand and implement guidance effectively. The coalition states that narrowing the scope of the CSRD under the Omnibus proposal would exclude 80% of the companies currently subject to its requirements. Credit: Garmentsphotos/Shutterstock. "EU urged to align sustainability due diligence with global standards" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
