November 30, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

Having promoted in Swiss for more than a decade, the Responsible Business Initiative (RBI), the initiative “for responsible businesses - protecting human rights and the environment”, aimed at Swiss companies accountable for their actions abroad to follow human rights and environmental standards. Although the RBI won the majority supports, 50.7% votes, from the people on November 29, it was rejected by nationwide cantonal votes.

The RBI was an effort formed by an alliance of NGOs, church groups, human rights groups, political parties, and trade unions in Swiss. Under the proposed RBI, Swiss firms ought to establish their operations and throughout their supply chains abroad to prevent abusive labor conditions and environmental damage. If any Swiss-based firms were found failing to comply with the RBI, they could be held liable in Swiss courts for damages that happened overseas.

However, the Swiss government opposed the RBI. Instead, the Swiss government supports a moderate alternative. The countermeasure is now compelling Swiss companies like Glencore (GLCNF) and Nestlé (NSRGF) to check environmental and social issues on their business operations overseas with a particular focus on avoiding child labor and conflict minerals from conflict areas.

Photo:Webshot.