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BUSINESS EVENT

Mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence: 
What an EU-level law will mean for business

Virtual discussion | Wednesday 4 November 2020

09:00-11:00 New York | 14:00-16:00 London | 21:00-23:00 Bangkok
 


 

In April 2020, European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, announced his intention to introduce mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation into the European Parliament in 2021. This law is likely to require companies based in, or doing business in, the EU to carry out due diligence to identify human rights, environmental and governance risks in their operations and business relationships.  
 

The public consultation on the proposed EU mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence law will commence shortly. This event aims to support business practitioners to discuss these developments with confidence. 
 

Join us for a practical and in-depth discussion with leading experts on:
 

  • How the regulatory landscape is changing
  • What an EU mandatory due diligence law is likely to look like
  • How an EU-level law will impact businesses in Europe and around the world
  • What is likely to happen next


Bringing together legal and business experts, we'll take a practical but detailed look at how different legislative options will affect business in the EU and beyond - and unpack questions concerning liability, enforcement and other penalties, and steps businesses can take to 'future proof' their approach to human rights.

Importantly, we'll also discuss how this legislation could support businesses that are serious about managing human rights issues effectively, and what is needed to ensure the legislation achieves meaningful outcomes in a way that is practicable for business.
 

Organised by the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights (GBI) and Clifford Chance.


Register your interest in participating in this event 
 



Speakers

We will be joined by:

  • Rae Lindsay Partner, Clifford Chance
  • Thomas Voland Partner, Clifford Chance
  • Gerald Pachoud Advisor, Global Business Initiative on Human Rights
  • Mary Begg-Saffar Legal Manager for Health, Safety, Environment, Total
  • Paul Lalli Global Counsel - Labor & Human Rights, GE
  • Matthias Thorns Deputy Secretary-General, International Organisation of Employers (IOE)
  • Jerome Bellion-Jourdan Former EU negotiator on business and human rights

The discussion will be moderated by Catie Shavin Director, Global Business Initiative on Human Rights.

If you have questions about the likely scope of the law, how it would affect practices already developed in alignment with the UNGPs or concerns about expanded legal risks and liability exposures - or anything else you would like to ask our experts - we would be keen to hear from you. Please feel free to share them with us in advance or bring them with you on the day.

Email Catie Shavin for more information or to share your questions ahead of our discussion.

 



More information about mandatory due diligence requirements

For more information about these developments, see: