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Introduction [page 4] “The diversity of legal systems can be a good thing as it is an opportunity to explore new avenues and it motivates governments to improve regulation. Yet if a country is too lax in the way it devises its rules, a competitive advantage becomes a threat. A fragmented and inconsistent legal regime…

National Action Plan – production and objectives [page 6-7] “… this Action Plan’s commitments … make it easier for businesses to keep clear of such situations in their supply chains and among their business partners.” Most serious infringements of working conditions [page 16] “There may be numerous labour-law violations in supply chains, via temporary employment…

Existing plans, initiatives and strategies [page 8] “The Czech Republic has long set great store by the topic of human rights both generally and in connection with the activities of businesses. Human rights in a business context is covered, for example, by the following strategy documents: … SME Support Concept 2014-2020“ Scope and content of…

The Czech NAP makes no explicit reference to the security sector.

Supply chains and conflict minerals [page 20-21] “One solution lies in certification schemes proving the origin of raw materials. The certification authority guarantees that workers’ rights have not been infringed during mining or production. These certificates are issued by state and international organisations on the one hand, and private issuers on the other. Current legislation…

Publication and dissemination of existing documents, education and awareness-raising [page 10] “Current state of play: The National Contact Point for the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises is responsible for promoting the Guidelines and their instruments (seminars, training, promotional materials, etc.).”  Pillar III [page 41] “The third pillar also includes quasi-judicial tribunals, dispute…

Pillar III [page 41-43] “It is incumbent on states to protect human rights. This duty includes the provision of efficient and effective means of remedy for those whose rights have been infringed. Article 36 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms provides that: “Anyone may claim, in the prescribed manner, their rights in an…

Non-financial reporting [page 21-22] “Implements Principle 3d Reporting on the activities of large companies works to the benefit not only of business partners and shareholders, but also other stakeholders. With this in mind, companies are increasingly reporting not only on their financial position, but so on the non-financial aspects of their operations. Information on the…

Publication and dissemination of existing documents, education and awareness-raising [page 10] “Current state of play: Every year, the Government publishes a Report on the State of Human Rights and numerous other reports and documents analysing respect for human rights in the Czech Republic. Reports in the same vein are also published by other institutions, including…

Most serious infringements of working conditions [page 16-18] “Implements Principles 1, 2 and 8 Even in advanced countries, we come across cases where employees find themselves in a highly vulnerable position and are required to put up with undignified working conditions, and where their employer, for instance, refuses to pay them. The victims of this…

Criminal liability of legal persons in the field of human rights [page 11-12] “Implements Principles 1 and 3a Modern business is inconceivable without companies and cooperatives. They facilitate the concentration of funds, limit risk, and create opportunities for professional management. They are a means of implementing major business projects. However, like any other such means,…

External policy [page 27-28] “Under the common commercial policy, the negotiation of commercial agreements is in the sole competence of the EU. Agreements are negotiated on behalf of the Union by the European Commission, which acts in the name of Member States (they must always mandate it to do so). The European Commission pursues the…

Accessibility of the courts [page 48-49] “Sensitively and coherently used technology could play a major role in freeing the hands of the courts. Just like any other area of human activity, the judiciary could benefit from the advantages delivered by advanced technology. Numerous countries around the world are conducting studies and drawing up strategies on…

Publication and dissemination of existing documents, education and awareness-raising [page 11] “Tasks: Assess the vehicles in place to provide businesses with information on human rights risks in countries or regions where they are planning to set up operations. Coordinator: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deadline: 31 December 2020”  Trade in military equipment [page 19-20] “Current state of…

UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights [page 5] “…The second pillar, declaring the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, is aimed at businesses, who are responsible for not breaching human rights actively, not being directly involved in human rights infringements, and acting with due diligence to lay bare any such violations. …” Disqualification…

No explicit reference is made in the Czech NAP to human rights defenders. Pillar II, Commitment [page 32-33] “The Government of the Czech Republic recommends that businesses adopt internal commitments in accordance with the recommendations below. … What should a commitment encompass? … Protection of whistleblowers: This includes, on the one hand, instructions for employees…

Publication and dissemination of existing documents, education and awareness-raising [page 9-11] “Implements Principles 2, 3c and 8 Increasing attention is paid to the theme of business and human rights in recent years. Many countries, international organisations and universities have produced numerous documents, model professional and theme-based codes of conduct, examples of good practice, recommendations and…

Existing plans, initiatives and strategies [page 8-9] “The Czech Republic has long set great store by the topic of human rights both generally and in connection with the activities of businesses. Human rights in a business context is covered, for example, by the following strategy documents: … Government Strategy for Gender Equality in the Czech…

Pillar II, Scope and content of the obligation to respect human rights [page 30-31] “What human rights? States bear liability for the full range of human rights. Businesses are required to respect those rights that could be affected by their operations, and must do so to the extent of a definite minimum, generally acknowledged fundamental…

National Action Plan – production and objectives [page 6-7] “The concept of business and human rights, on the other hand, is rooted in the fact that certain unwelcome developments should not happen in the course of business activities per se. Respect for human rights is not inherently voluntary – modern-day slavery, child labour, and environmental…