The sector dialogues within the National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights (NAP) are used as a support for the German Government to implement human rights due diligence. After five years in operation, this particular format has certainly proved effective. In our paper, the participating civil society organisations try to provide an overall view, and present a generally mixed picture.
Since January 2023, the rules of the Supply Chain Act in Germany have applied to all companies above a certain size. This also includes financial institutions. However, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), which is responsible for enforcing the law, argued in its guidance published in August 2023 that the law's due diligence obligations are not binding for financial institutions with regard to their core business. Contrary to the guidance, our legal opinion concludes that a correct interpretation of the LkSG clearly shows that financial institutions have a supplier relationship within the meaning of the LkSG with their customers for a number of financial products.
The creation of value through trade and processing of critical raw materials is a crucial step towards sustainable economic development in African countries. Our fact sheet provides an overview of some of the relevant initiatives in recent years. We highlight obstacles to the Africa Mining Vision and point to solutions through regional co-operation. In addition, the Lobito Corridor serves as case study to assess co-operation of African countries on building supply chains.
Just Transition is the buzzword of the hour. This policy brief outlines opportunities for international co-operation with India to facilitate a Just Energy Transition – the sustainable and equitable shift to low-carbon energy systems. Appropriate support can bolster India’s potential to become a leader in green and inclusive development models of the future.
The EU has recently adopted a number of regulations to facilitate the extended use of products as well as product repairs and reuse. However, these regulations fail to address a key obstacle to repairs: The costs. This is why we are calling for subsidised consumer repairs. To achieve this, the Extended Producer Responsibility must be fundamentally reformed.
