Act NOW! Why corporate responsibility is needed
Although the Swiss electorate said yes to corporate responsibility in 2020, the initiative failed due to a majority of the cantons. Since then, the problems have worsened - which is why a new initiative is now needed. And it needs to be supported. Because human rights and an intact environment are important for a dignified life, Connexio develop is a member of the Coalition for Corporate Responsibility.
People fall ill with arsenic-contaminated Waters. People work under slave-like Conditions. People die for "sustainable" Gold bars and jewelry. The environment is being ruthlessly destroyed and the "heritage of mankind", the Deep sea is being exploited - with unknown consequences.
What does that have to do with you?
If you think "this has nothing to do with me", you're wrong. Because all of these crimes against people and the environment are also committed by Swiss companies or are part of them. And we are indirectly involved with them. Profit is placed above human rights and environmental protection, without consequences. The website of the Coalition for Corporate Responsibility lists cases of around 20 companies that endanger thousands of human lives.
Disregarding human dignity, failing to comply with environmental standards and making use of areas that belong to us all - these are the practices that the Corporate Responsibility Initiative prevent.
But you are not the only one affected - we as an organization also see it as our duty to contribute to changing the system.
What does this have to do with Connexio develop?
At Connexio develop, we have set ourselves the goal of contributing to a just, inclusive and peaceful world. This includes a dignified life, an environment that is intact and that all people are healthy.
One component of this is to oblige companies to comply with standards that contribute to this.
What do our neighbors think?
The Council of Europe has adopted the Directive on corporate due diligence with regard to sustainability (CSDDDEU Supply Chain Directive) has already been adopted. The Federal Council, however, sees no need for this. The strong lobby of corporations based in Switzerland has put powerful pressure on politicians. Without binding guidelines, Swiss companies could continue to violate human rights and destroy the environment with impunity and make high profits in the process. Is Switzerland soon to be one of the few countries without guidelines that respect human dignity?
We don't want that.
Conclusion
If the initiative is accepted, it will strengthen our work. It is a building block for changing the system and can contribute to positive change.
Ultimately, it is about respecting people and the planet and preserving creation.
Support the initiative - not only we thank you for it.
Featured photo:Deforestation in the Amazon region, in Lábrea, Amazonas state. Christian Braga / Greenpeace
Protection of human rights: The initiative demands that companies are responsible for the impact of their actions in global supply chains. Although this does not directly affect the projects we support, the protection of human rights is the starting point for our work.
Sustainability and environmental protection: The initiative also requires companies to take responsibility for environmental damage. This is an important aspect for us because we are committed to long-term, sustainable solutions. In this way, we ensure that our work is in line with a global focus on environmental sustainability.
Supporting fairness and justice: The initiative demands transparency and fair business practices. We are also fighting against social injustice.
Promotion of social responsibility: The demand helps to ensure that companies recognize their responsibility towards society and do not just seek short-term profit. This is important in the fight against poverty and hunger. And for education and equal opportunities.
Create a legal framework: A binding legal basis for companies can help to ensure that good business practices become the norm in the long term. The positive effects are education, work, a balanced diet and a decent life for all.
Increasing transparency: When companies disclose their impact on people and the environment, the public can respond to promote good business practices and hold offending companies accountable.
