Swedwatch calls for human rights inclusion in development finance summit
When the first ever global summit of all public development banks (PBDs) takes place in Paris in November there will be a marked absence of community or other civil society voices, despite many well-documented human rights and environmental impacts of projects financed by PBDs. Swedwatch, alongside two hundred other organisations, is calling for a re-think.
Swedwatch part of human rights due diligence campaign
Swedwatch is part of a new campaign in Sweden calling for legislation requiring companies to respect human rights.
Swedwatch calls for EU pharma strategy to protect rights and environment
Despite the alarming and well-known risks of pharmaceutical pollution, pharmaceutical products are exempt from various EU provisions regulating chemicals. Swedwatch urges the European Commission to ensure that its Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe holds importers and producers to account for impacts on human rights, public health and the environment.
- High-risk and conflict areas
- Vulnerable groups
- Climate and environment
- Community rights
- Public procurement
- Labour rights
High-risk and conflict areas
In areas where there is war or conflict, or where the state is weak, there is a higher risk of human rights violations. Companies active in such areas need to know and act responsibly on these risks.
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Vulnerable groups
Some groups, for example children, indigenous peoples or migrant workers run a higher risk than others of being adversely affected by companies’ activities. Whoever they are, companies have a duty to respect their special rights.
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Climate and environment
Climate and environment are closely linked to human rights. Companies have a responsibility to know how they affect the climate and the environment, and to make sure that they do not contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.
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Community rights
Forced displacement in connection with new land-related projects is common and in breach with several human rights. People who depend on family farming might end up losing their homes and incomes when forced to move.
Read more about Community rights
Public procurement
Swedish municipalities, county councils and government authorities procure goods worth more than 63 billion euros annually. A large portion are manufactured or grown in countries where there is a high risk of negative impacts on human rights and the environment.
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Labour rights
There is a high risk of employees’ rights being abused in global supply chains. Guaranteeing good working conditions is a substantial and important part of companies’ responsibilities in terms of respecting human rights.
Read more about Labour rights