UK government proposes new law regulating corporate human rights supply chains

The United Kingdom government announced on November 4 that it will propose a new law regulating the human rights impacts of companies operating within its global supply chain. Human Rights Watch reported the announcement, which aims to establish legally binding standards for corporate responsibility. [1]

Advocacy efforts for the new legislation have been led over a long period by the UK Corporate Justice Coalition alongside several businesses. According to Human Rights Watch, the government statement responds directly to demands made by those campaigners. [1]

Corporate accountability involves companies acknowledging and assuming responsibility for the consequences of their business decisions and operational actions. Principles of corporate accountability can extend beyond financial compliance to include commitments toward employees and local communities. [3]

Human Rights Watch reported that the proposed measure represents an opportunity to convert voluntary corporate responsibility concepts into enforceable legal obligations for UK businesses operating internationally. [1]