"Responsible Business Conduct for Children: Strengthening EU Policy Measures to Address Business Impact on Children's Rights", 2 September 2020

This note summarises key take-aways from a virtual EU Council Presidency event hosted by the German Foreign Office and UNICEF Germany. The event brought together 150 experts, including officials from almost all EU Member States, the European External Action Service, the EU Commission and participants from international and non-governmental organisations, business associations, individual enterprises and trade unions.

The discussions centred around the impact of business activities on the full spectrum of children’s rights as defined in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). While acknowledging the merits of prioritising action on high-risk environments and issues, the expert discussion focussed on key considerations for EU policy on business and human rights that address the wide variety of business impact on children - within and outside the European Union.

Following introductory remarks from the German Foreign Office and UNICEF Germany, the event was split into two parts: the first highlighted the range of adverse business impacts on children, including their root causes, through contributions from leading experts; the second part explored the relevance of these insights for EU policy processes on business and human rights by way of a panel discussion. Throughout the event, participants used the chat function for commentary and a lively exchange of ideas and information. The following summarises “key considerations” that emanated from the discussions and that will feed into the relevant German and EU-wide efforts to strengthen responsible business conduct...