Italy

II. Background and Context

C. National Priorities [page 7]

The following priorities will be subject to regular review and update by the Business and Human Rights Steering Group (see par.V):

(…)

4. Strengthening the role of Italy in human rights – based international development cooperation.

IV. Government responses

Current Activities and Future Commitments [page 25]

C. Operational Principles

Ensuring policy coherence 

Guiding Principle 10

Italy considers it a priority to promote implementation of existing international tools on human rights in the business sector, also in line with the 2030 Agenda, within multilateral institutions and with regard to the negotiation of international treaties and agreements. States and relevant actors should adopt policies and mobilize resources to advance equitable, human rights-based and sustainable development. Italy acknowledges the link between human rights, sustainable development, and fair business competition and is aware that the lack of respect for human rights is a potential factor of distortion on international markets.

Italy acknowledges the link between human rights and fair competition and will endeavour at the international, bilateral and multilateral level to identify effective solutions to enhance the protection of human rights.

Planned Measures

• Engage with other States for the establishment of a mechanism of peer review for the existing National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights (in line with EU Council resolution encouraging peer learning on BHR);
• Support initiatives in all relevant fora aiming at developing instruments to enhance fair competition for the safeguard and promotion of human rights;
• Advocate for a system of ‘human rights credits’ in international trade through the proposal of introduction of a ‘special duty’ for goods imported from countries and/or produced by enterprises not complying with human rights fundamental standards;
• Continue supporting activities of the UN Global Compact;
• Promote further and wider recourse to due diligence processes and foster exchanges of experiences with partner countries at EU and global level, and with international organizations such as the OECD, ILO, IOM and UNICEF;
• Actively support EU engagement and initiatives of member countries to strengthen responsible management of supply chains and improve labour conditions in line with the G7 “Action for Fair Production” commitment;

Contribute through the exchange with governments and social partners on best practices and approaches to the general discussion on “Decent work in global supply chain” started in the framework of the 105th session of the 2016 International Labour Conference.”