United States

Foreword by John F. Kerry [page 2]

“(…) We undertook this process to enhance coordination within our government, push for higher standards and a more level playing field globally (…) .

Introduction 

Purpose of the NAP [page 5]

This NAP is designed to reinforce and strengthen the U.S. government’s role in advancing RBC through effective intra-governmental coordination and policymaking, promoting high standards globally, facilitating current and future RBC efforts through enhanced collaboration, and highlighting and supporting U.S. industry leadership.  (…)

Therefore, environmental issues are addressed in this document to the extent that they overlap with RBC. The Obama Administration’s environmental objectives are comprehensively addressed, and the roles of business and other stakeholders in achieving them, through certain executive statements of policy such as President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, and Executive Orders (E.O.s) such as E.O. 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade.

Facilitating RBS by companies

Outcome 3.2: Build U.S. Government Officials’ Capacity to Support RBC [page 19]

New Actions

RBC Training for U.S. Embassies: State will establish a plan in 2017 to further integrate instruction on RBC into relevant training for diplomats and other U.S. government employees stationed overseas. Training will initially focus on ensuring that officers dealing with economic and labor issues have a background in RBC. Content will be adapted for use in USAID and other agency training courses. Some training on specific aspects of RBC is already standard for U.S. diplomats and other government employees. U.S. embassies are already engaged in promoting and recognising RBC via their participation in the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) process. They are also tasked with referring companies and others to the USNCP, as appropriate. Implementing Department or Agency: State

Ongoing commitments and initiatives

FCPA Training: State and Commerce will continue to provide FCPA and related anti-corruption training to Commerce’s U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service officers and State Foreign Service officers so that they may raise awareness about corruption and compliance programs and assist U.S. companies as appropriate when confronted with corruption overseas. Implementing Department or Agency: State, Commerce, DOJ, SEC

Labor Attaché Program: In 2014, DOL established a new program through which staff members from its Bureau of International Labor Affairs are stationed in U.S. embassies overseas for a period of two to three years. DOL has placed attachés in Bangladesh, Colombia, and Vietnam to date. Acting as part of the U.S. Embassy team, these attachés play a leading role in engaging with various stakeholders, analysing relevant legal and policy developments, articulating U.S. government interests and objectives, and working to promote awareness of international labor standards and best practices. Implementing Department or Agency: DOJ

USAID New Training Module on Supply Chains and Trafficking: USAID routinely offers training to all USAID staff on Counter-Trafficking in Persons (CTIP). In 2016, a new module was developed and incorporated into the CTIP training, and replicated in USAID training for economic growth officers on effective approaches to counter labor trafficking and other labor abuse in specific sectors and supply chains. Implementing Department or Agency: USAID