European Parliament resolution of 25 October 2016 on corporate liability for serious human rights abuses in third countries

On 25 October European parliamentarians overwhelmingly voted (569 for, 54 against) for a resolution inviting the EU Member States and the EU Commission to adopt regulations on corporate liability for serious human rights abuses throughout their global supply chains. MEPs also advocated creating a certified “abuse-free” product label at EU level. Although the resolution is in no way binding it does indicate that the debate over multinational company duty of care is extending beyond the borders of the countries where initiatives in this vein have already been undertaken (France and the UK).
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

The European Parliament notes that “increasing globalization and internationalization of business activities and supply chains will make the role that corporations play in ensuring respect for human rights more important.” Against this backdrop it “calls on the EU and the Member States to lay down clear rules setting out that companies established in their territory or under their jurisdiction must respect human rights throughout their operations, in every country and context in which they oper

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
2026 TRENDS — Tackling skills shortages and mismatches
mind HR is analysing the trends that will shape 2026. Skills shortages have become a central challenge for businesses, reflecting deep-seated shifts in the labour market as roles evolve rapidly...
Italy: government kicks off transposition of EU Pay Transparency Directive
On 5 February, the Italian government approved legislation transposing the EU Pay Transparency Directive, designed to tackle gender pay discrimination — a particularly acute issue in Italy. The...
10 February 2026
Romania: government imposes strict controls on labour immigration
On 26 January, the Romanian government adopted an emergency ordinance tightening the rules on the recruitment of foreign workers. The measure introduces an official list of labour shortage...
Germany: standoff over national plan to boost collective bargaining
Under the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive, Germany is required to produce an action plan to boost collective bargaining coverage. That plan has stalled, however, after being blocked by the...
9 February 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
United Kingdom: government urged to legislate against forced labour
After consulting victims, businesses and NGOs, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) has published a report showing that the UK is lagging behind in the fight against forced labour. The...
13 January 2026
2
EU: European Parliament calls for a directive on just transition
On 20 January, MEPs approved, with 420 votes in favour, an own-initiative report calling for a just transition directive. The text calls for the protection of workers to be guaranteed in the...
20 January 2026