ENNHRI Statement on the EU’s involvement in the Intergovt. working group on a binding treaty, in the light of the adopted Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
...Ahead of the 10th session of OEIGWG1 , ENNHRI [The European Network of National Human Rights Institutions] would like to emphasise, in view of recent developments in the treaty process and at European Union (EU) level, particularly the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), that the EU and its Member States’ involvement in the negotiations is more necessary than ever to move the process forward and ensure broad cross-regional support. ENNHRI also takes this opportunity to reiterate its main recommendations regarding the substance of the updated draft published in 2023.
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Yet, EU participation in the OEIGWG is still hampered by the absence of a mandate to negotiate. The EU should live up to these commitments and act accordingly. A constructive engagement in the treaty process is only feasible with a strong negotiation mandate. This would be consistent with the many efforts it makes at the regional level to ensure human-rights compliant value chains, particularly with the recently reached agreement on the adoption of the CSDDD, as well as with its EU treaty-based commitment to promote human rights worldwide...
At the same time, the EU should not miss the opportunity to increase access to effective remedy at the global level. The treaty should contribute to addressing the procedural, substantive and practical barriers that persist regarding access to justice for rightsholders. The EU should therefore act on its commitments and substantially engage in the Treaty process, putting the needs and interests of affected rightsholders at the centre.