2023-12-21
| Belgrade

Round table: The Role of Civil Society in Protecting Human Rights in Companies

Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS)

The Center for Democracy Foundation organised the second public debate 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 round table “The Role of Civil Society in Protecting Human Rights in Companies” was held on 21 December 2023 at Envoy Conference Center in Belgrade.

Partaking in the discussion were: Sanela Bahtijarević, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ); Jovana Spaić Erdeljan, International Labour Organization; Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation; Bojana Tamindžija, Centre for the Politics of Emancipation; Sonja Tošković, Belgrade Centre for Human Rights; Marija Vukašinović, ASTRA; Branislav Markuš, Zrenjanin Social Forum; Svetlana Budimčević, Serbian Association of Employers; Slađana Kiković, Trade Union Independence; Željko Veselinović, Sloga Trade Union. The discussion was moderated by Ljubica Gojgić, Journalist.

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.

During the discussion it was highlighted that civil society plays a significant role in the protection of human rights in companies, ranging from recognising and identifying risks to overcoming them. Collaboration, partnership and joint engagement of all actors, such as civil society organisations, trade unions, employers and institutions are necessary to create synergy and strengthen support for human rights protection in companies.

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).