“We provide thought leadership and update our clients on recent developments”

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

As thought leaders in the field of business and human rights, we are committed to shaping the discourse and guiding companies in establishing robust management systems. Explore our publications to gain valuable perspectives and stay ahead in navigating the landscape of human rights and environmental due diligence:

Q&As

The following Q&As provide Swiss and international companies with practical guidance on implementing HREDD, navigating key HREDD laws, and addressing specific impacts in various contexts:

Q&A Legal HREDD Requirements:

July 2025. Available in English.

Q&A EU Forced Labour Regulation:

March 2025. Available in English.

Q&A CSDDD:

August 2024. Available in German and English.

Q&A Sustainability Schemes:

October 2023. Available in German, French, Italian and English.

Q&A Conflict-affected areas:

June 2023. Available in English, German, French and Italian.

Q&A Conflict Minerals:

January 2022. Available in English.

Q&A Child Labour:

June 2021. Available in English.

VIDEOS

Short introduction videos about human rights due diligence and human rights risk assessment

Created by focusright with the support of FDFA and SECO in the context of the Swiss National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights 2020 - 2023. The GCNSL is a strategic partner. The videos are based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Available in English, German, French and Italian.

Why are human rights important for companies? How can companies implement a management system to respect human rights and prevent adverse impacts along their value chain? This explanatory video gives a brief overview of the six steps of human rights due diligence (HRDD) and explains their contribution to sustainable business success.

The video is available in English, German, French and Italian.

How can companies be confronted with human rights risks along their value chain? How can they proactively identify such risks and address them appropriately? This explanatory video provides a brief overview of the three steps of a human rights risk assessment and shows its relevance for people and companies.

The video is available in English, German, French and Italian.

 PODCASTS

Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: voices from the field

What is human rights due diligence all about? How do Swiss companies implement due diligence in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles? What have they learned, and what are the challenges? What legal developments are companies facing, and how can they best prepare?

In a series of four podcasts, experts from Novartis, Adecco Group and Sucafina and from the Centre for Human Rights Studies of the University of Zürich discuss these and more questions. For anyone interested in the practice of responsible business conduct or looking for inspiration to introduce or further develop human rights due diligence in their company.

The podcast was produced on behalf of SECO International Labour Affairs and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA in the context of the Swiss National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, in collaboration with engageability and the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein.

 HRDD GUIDE

Practical guide for the implementation of human rights due diligence

This practical guide helps both SMEs and large companies to develop and implement pragmatic and effective human rights due diligence processes in line with the UN Guiding Principles and the OECD Guidelines. In addition, it outlines the first steps companies can take when setting up a due diligence system. The guide was created within the frame of the Swiss National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights (NAP) on behalf of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA. The UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein is strategic partner.

The guide is available in German, French, Italian and English .

FURTHER INSIGHTS

Further publications and contributions, including focusright Tools, Guidelines, Recommendations, and Checklists for implementing human rights due diligence: