TAKE ACTION!

Did you know that Sweden does not have a law that requires companies to respect human rights? This has to change. Make your voice heard together with other citizens, consumers and companies and call for a law that demands companies to respect human rights!

Why do we need a law? We know that international trade can contribute to job creation, economic opportunities, and improved living conditions for people around the world. But we also know that many workers in the value chain are working under dire conditions and with low salaries, which make it hard to cover living costs. Other serious problems include child labour, forced displacement and polluted water supplies. Conditions tend to be worse in countries with high levels of poverty and a weak justice system. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these problems. Several companies work continuously to address these challenges, but for the most part the work is carried out on a voluntary basis. A law that requires companies to respect human rights gives affected people a possibility of compensation. And as consumers we can be assured that we do not contribute to human rights violations.

Level the playing field: Many Swedish and European companies have their operations, suppliers or business relations in countries where violations of human rights are common and labour protection is weak. Despite this, we do not have a law which regulates companies’ operations outside our borders. Companies who invest in sustainable business practices are doing so out of their free will and are forced to compete on unequal terms with companies who choose not to. This is not right – if we want to stop the race to the bottom, companies who act responsibly and invest in sustainability must be supported by clear rules and regulations and fair competition. We want a law which ensures that companies respect human rights both in Sweden and in countries where Swedish companies operate. A law which can also inspire other countries to develop their legislation in regard to human rights.

Sweden is falling behind: If Sweden wants to be known as a country that stands up for human rights, women’s rights, the rights of the child and for being a pioneer in sustainable business we need legally binding rules. In the spring of 2020, the European Commission took the first steps towards introducing legislation requiring companies to respect human rights and prevent environmental damage throughout their global supply chains and in their business relations. Some European countries have already adopted similar legislation and several states are now working to have a common regulatory framework in the EU. The Swedish government has so far not investigated a Swedish legislation, despite calls from both the Swedish Agency for Public Management and the Swedish 2030 Agenda-delegation, nor has it shown support for a common legislation on EU-level. Citizens and consumers are ready. Many companies are ready. Now it’s time for Swedish politicians to take action!

By signing this petition, I want a legislation that requires companies to respect human rights in their own operations and in their business relations.

• I want the Swedish government to actively work for an effective regulatory framework on the EU-level.
• I want the Swedish government to launch an investigation into how a Swedish Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) legislation based on the UN’s guiding principles on business and human rights can be integrated into Swedish law.