Switzerland – 3rd – Trade
2.2 Updating the measures contained in the NAP 2020–2023
Measure 7: Reduction in human rights risks associated with gold extraction and trading
Starting on 1 January 2022, Swiss-based companies must comply with due diligence obligations as well as with reporting obligations if they import and process minerals and metals from conflict-affected areas (see Article 964j ff. of the Code of Obligations, and the DDTrO). The Federal Administration informs the private sector of the applicable legal provisions.
(Measure 7 in the 2020-2023 NAP relates to trade. See the 2020-2023 NAP breakdown for more information)
Measure 18: Consistency between trade agreements and protection of human rights
Evaluations of the impact on sustainable development, which also cover human rights-related aspects, are conducted on a case-by-case basis for new free trade agreements, once preliminary risk assessments have been completed.
3. New measures contained in the NAP 2024–27
(3.1) Pillar I: State duty to protect human rights
Measure 2: Contribute to the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles in support of promotion activities
The Federal Administration will encourage actors engaged in promotion activities (e.g. trade missions) to make an even greater effort to implement human rights due diligence. The inclusion of companies in trade missions could be used as a platform for encouraging the private sector to apply the UN Guiding Principles. Actors engaged in promotion activities will be informed of this.
| Objective | Indicator | Responsibility |
| Raise awareness among federal and cantonal agencies in charge of promotion activities, as well as chambers of commerce, of human rights due diligence. Encourage companies to conduct human rights due diligence in relation to their international business activities. | Support is provided to federal and cantonal agencies in charge of promotion activities, as well as to chambers of commerce, in managing human rights-related risks (awareness-raising, training, guidance, etc.). Companies that take part in trade missions systematically receive information on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles. | EAER/SECO |
The 2024-27 National Action Plan is supplemental to the 2020-23 NAP. The 2020-2023 NAP explicitly addresses this issue.
Additional Information about the 2020-23 NAP can be found here