2023-10-31
| Niš

Public debate: The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act - Implications for Human Rights in Serbia

Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS)

The Center for Democracy Foundation began a series of public debates on the topic of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and Europe’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). A series of thematic roundtable discussions is being conducted as part of the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) project.

The first in a series of public debates titled ‘German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act - Implications for Human Rights in Serbia’ took place on 31 October 2023, in the City Assembly Hall of Niš.

Partaking in the discussion were: Sanela Bahtijarević, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ); Tanja Lindell, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia; Ivica Lazović, the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes; Aleksandar Todić, United Branch Trade Union Independence; Danijel Dašić, former Director at National Coalition for Decentralisation (Niš); Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation, and the representatives of commerce, trade unions, public institutions, CSOs, academic community, media, etc.

The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act entered into force in January 2023, and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is currently subject to debate within the EU. The law obliges German companies to demand from their direct and indirect suppliers the application of a series of human/labour rights and environmental rules and standards, including the establishment of appeal/complaint mechanisms. Efficient application of new regulations in supplier countries means active participation of the business community, as well as other stakeholders, which include CSOs and trade unions.

Germany is Serbia's primary trading partner, and this law will undoubtedly have significant implications for economic entities in our country, their employees, and our society as a whole. Through public debate, we aimed to stimulate an open and constructive dialogue among relevant stakeholders to exchange opinions and experiences, promote responsible business practices, and contribute to raising awareness and knowledge of these acts. A thorough understanding, collaboration, and partnership among stakeholders are essential to enhance due diligence relative to human rights and responsible business practices in Serbia.

The Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German organisation for international cooperation - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).