Sweden

2 The corporate responsibility to respect human rights [page 13]

“The conditions for companies’ efforts to respect human rights vary depending on their size …

In keeping with the UN Guiding Principles, businesses’ human rights efforts are expected to include the following main points: …

Procedure:

Identify and monitor the risks throughout the value chain (employees, business partners, suppliers, distribution and customer channels) and assess where responsibility for risks lies and how the company can have a positive impact”

Annex: Measures taken [page 22]

The State as actor

  • “The conduct of companies in relation to armed conflicts is highly relevant to respect for human rights. Sweden has proposed sharper formulations in the draft regulation on responsible trade in minerals from conflict areas that is currently being discussed in the EU. In other words, we consider it should be mandatory for importers from particularly problematic countries to obtain certification. Sweden is carrying out awareness-raising activities on this issue and supports the OECD’s work on how companies are to identify risks in the supply chain and avoid trade in conflict minerals (OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas).”