As reported, the federal government finally agreed on a draft of the supply chain law last week! Good thing: This is the first time that companies’ human rights due diligence obligations are regulated in Germany.
But the bill is not enough, because:
- It stipulates that companies only have to take action with indirect suppliers when there are concrete indications of human rights violations. That is absurd!
- In addition, there is no civil liability rule. People affected by human rights violations will continue to find it difficult to claim damages from German courts.
- The draft law takes too little account of environmental standards!
- The law should only apply to around 2,900 companies with more than 1,000 employees.
The good news: the law is not ready yet. In April the Bundestag will discuss the Supply Chain Act. The MPs then have the opportunity to request improvements.
Ask your MP to take action accordingly. The Supply Chain Act initiative has prepared a serial letter with which you can write to your MPs directly. Practical: You just enter your postcode and the members of your constituency appear for selection. Therefore:
