Corporate Responsibility for Human Right Violations – Introducing a new draft law in Germany

Abstract

The global responsibility of companies for human rights violations is moving into the focus of legislation in Europe. This development can be attributed not only to an increased social sensitivity in western countries, but also to the current discussion under international law. The draft law currently under discussion in Germany is limited to an obligation for larger companies to show more effort; criminal sanctions are no longer on the agenda. This article traces the current discussion and also addresses an announced EU initiative.