The “Coalition for Responsible Multinationals” has submitted a petition with 217,509 signatures to the Federal Chancellery. It calls on the government and parliament to enact an effective law for corporate responsibility, based on an EU model.
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Petição quer que multinacionais sejam responsabilizadas
Exactly two years after the vote to hold Swiss companies accountable for their actions abroad narrowly failed – the initiative was accepted by 50.7% of voters but rejected by a majority of cantons – the initiators have submitted a petition to Bern.
As the EU prepares to introduce a law on the responsibility of multinationals, the government must keep the promise it made during the 2020 referendum campaign, said coalition member and former parliamentarian Dick Marty on Thursday.
“If a multinational like Glencore violates human rights or destroys the environment, it’s still not held accountable,” said Chantal Peyer, political advisor to charity HEKS and also a member of the coalition’s committee.
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Responsible business initiative rejected at the ballot box
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A majority of cantons rejected the responsible business initiative, sealing its fate. But it managed to secure the popular vote.
Since the vote in November 2020, new cases of human rights violations and environmental pollution by multinationals based in Switzerland have regularly been made public, the coalition pointed out. At the end of September, Tamedia newspapers revealedExternal link that Swiss bank UBS was financing Brazilian agribusiness multinationals involved in illegal deforestation.
The world’s leading container shipping company MSC has its ships dismantled in catastrophic conditions on Indian beaches, the coalition said. In addition, new documents reveal how Syngenta concealed the dangers of its pesticide Paraquat.
“Multinational companies must be held accountable for the damage they cause. This is the only way to avoid such problems in future,” concluded Rahel Ruch, director of the Coalition for Responsible Multinationals.
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Why big companies fear the Responsible Business Initiative
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Big multinationals have voiced opposition to an initiative to make companies more accountable for their actions abroad. What are they afraid of?
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss authorities file criminal complaint for false signatures
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The case of allegedly forged signatures for popular initiatives in Switzerland continues: the Federal Chancellery has filed a criminal complaint for the third time.
Swiss government must prioritise transport projects
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Following the no to motorway expansions and additional costs for future rail infrastructure, the Swiss government must set priorities for road and rail expansion.
SMI back above 12,500 points for first time since beginning of 2022
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The leading SMI index rose by almost 1% at times in the morning and traded above 12,500 points for the first time since the beginning of 2022.
Markus Ritter enters race for seat in Swiss government
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Markus Ritter from the Centre Party has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd on the seven-seat Swiss government.
Lausanne hospital produces drug from faecal bacteria
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The University Hospital of canton Vaud (Chuv) is the first Swiss hospital to receive approval for the production of such drugs from donor stool.
Increase in heat deaths set to outweigh decrease in cold deaths
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The growing number of heat-related deaths due to climate change will significantly exceed the decline in the number of cold-related deaths in Europe, according to a study.
Every second Swiss buys from Chinese online retailers
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Chinese online retailers are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Every other person has already made such a purchase in the past year.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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How easy is it to hold Swiss companies to account abroad?
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Swiss citizens may soon vote on whether to make companies liable for their actions abroad. Three stories show the challenges of getting justice.
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One of the most controversial issues in the debate on the ‘responsible business’ initiative concerns the scope of the Swiss proposal.
Responsible Business debate could cause ripple effects globally
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Swiss parliament decides this week on an initiative to hold companies accountable for their impacts on human rights and the environment.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.