SEMINAR
The new Human Rights Due Dilligence legislations in Germany and the EU and their implications for entrepreneurs in Cameroon
17. – 20.10.2023 (to be confirmed)
Location: To be confirmed
Day 1: Understanding Human Rights Due Diligence
Session 1: Introduction to Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD)
- Definition and scope of HRDD
- The importance of HRDD in business operations
- International human rights frameworks and standards
Session 2: Key Concepts and Principles of HRDD
- Human rights risks and impacts
- Stakeholder engagement and consultation
- Remediation and grievance mechanisms
Session 3: Legal Frameworks and International Standards
- Overview of national and international laws and regulations
- United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) • OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- ESG – Environmental, Social und Governance
- German Supply Chain Act
- European Supply Chain Act
Case Study Example:
Case: Rana Plaza Factory Collapse
Description: The Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013 resulted in the loss of over 1,100 lives and brought global attention to the need for human rights due diligence in supply chains. The case study explores the human rights risks and impacts associated with the incident, highlighting the failure of multiple stakeholders in conducting effective due diligence.
Discussion Points:
- Identify the human rights violations that occurred in the Rana Plaza factory collapse.
- Analyze the responsibilities of different stakeholders, including the factory owners, international brands, and local authorities.
- Discuss the legal and ethical implications of the incident, considering the UNGPs and relevant international standards.
- Identify the lessons learned from the Rana Plaza case and their implications for business operations and HRDD.
Day 2: Conducting a Human Rights Risk Assessment
Session 1: Understanding Supply Chains and Value Chains
- Mapping supply chains and value chains
- Identifying key human rights risks and impacts
- Critical factors for effective risk assessment
Session 2: Conducting a Human Rights Risk Assessment
- Step-by-step process for conducting a risk assessment
- Data collection and analysis
- Identifying high-priority risks and vulnerable groups
Session 3: Tools and Methodologies for Risk Assessment
- Stakeholder interviews and surveys
- Supply chain mapping tools and databases
- Case studies and best practices
- SA 8000
Case Study Example:
Case: Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry
Description: The case study focuses on the cocoa industry and the prevalence of child labor in cocoa-producing regions. Participants will explore the process of conducting a human rights risk assessment to identify child labor risks and impacts within the cocoa supply chain.
Discussion Points:
- Examine the root causes and factors contributing to child labor in the cocoa industry.
- Conduct a supply chain mapping exercise to understand the complexity and reach of the cocoa supply chain.
- Utilize data from interviews, surveys, and reports to identify areas of high child labor risk.
- Discuss potential mitigation measures to address child labor, including stakeholder engagement, certification schemes, and capacity-building initiatives.
Day 3: Developing and Implementing Mitigation Strategies
Session 1: Mitigation Approaches and Strategies
- Integration of HRDD into existing management systems
- Collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders
Session 2: Designing Effective Mitigation Measures
- Human rights policies and codes of conduct
- Supplier engagement and capacity building
- Human rights impact assessments and audits
Session 3: Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation
- Monitoring implementation of mitigation measures
- Reporting on human rights performance
- Evaluation and continuous improvement
Case Study Example:
Case: Conflict Minerals in the Electronics Industry
Description: The case study examines the issue of conflict minerals, specifically focusing on their extraction and use in the electronics industry. Participants will explore strategies for designing and implementing effective mitigation measures to address the human rights risks associated with conflict minerals.
Discussion Points:
- Identify the human rights risks and impacts associated with conflict minerals, such as forced labor, child labor, and funding of armed groups.
- Discuss the role of policies, codes of conduct, and supplier engagement in mitigating conflict minerals risks.
- Analyze the effectiveness of certification schemes, due diligence frameworks, and traceability systems in addressing conflict minerals concerns.
- Explore monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track progress and ensure continuous improvement in mitigating conflict minerals risks.
Day 4: Building Capacity and Providing Guidance
Session 1: Advising Companies on HRDD
- Role and responsibilities of HRDD advisors
- Identifying key challenges and barriers
- Effective communication and engagement strategies
Session 2: Supporting Companies in Strategy Development
- Steps for developing a HRDD strategy
- Tailoring strategies to different company sizes and sectors
- Integrating HRDD into business decision-making processes
Session 3: Case Studies and Practical Exercises
- Analyzing real-life examples of HRDD implementation
- Group discussions and problem-solving exercises
- Best practices and lessons learned
Case Study Example:
Case: Sustainable Fashion Industry
Description: The case study focuses on the fashion industry and the challenges it faces in ensuring sustainable and ethical practices throughout its value chain. Participants will analyze real-life examples of companies implementing HRDD strategies and explore how they can support the fashion industry in developing and implementing their own HRDD strategies.
Discussion Points:
- Examine the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, including waste generation, pollution, and labor rights violations.
- Analyze the strategies adopted by leading fashion companies to address these challenges, such as supply chain transparency, responsible sourcing, and worker empowerment.
- Discuss the role of multi-stakeholder initiatives, industry collaborations, and consumer awareness in promoting sustainable fashion practices.
- Engage in group discussions and problem-solving exercises to develop HRDD strategies tailored to the fashion industry, considering the specific challenges and opportunities it presents.
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