These demands were made as part of the public consultation launched by the European Commission to get the input of citizens and organisations on the new EU legislation on corporate accountability that is due to be published in June 2021.
Approximately 700 civil society groups, trade unions and academic institutions from around the world have also provided their views. This means that citizens and organisations working directly on human rights, including trade union and labour rights, and environmental issues are raising their voices together.
The respondents demand a strong, new EU law requiring all companies to identify, prevent and address their human rights and environmental risks and impacts across their entire value chain. Companies must be held liable for harmful practices in their home countries and abroad and face strong penalties if they break the rules.