Multinational companies have become key players in the global power structure. While companies profit, their activities often undermine the achievements of civil society. We are committed to responsible business practices and the protection of human rights and the environment.
Multinational corporations around the world are profiting from globalisation and increasing their profits. However, they often do not take responsibility for the impact of their activities beyond national borders. Maximising profits often goes hand in hand with a disregard for human rights and environmental destruction. It is through such actions that large companies can often undermine the positive developments achieved by local civil society and organisations such as terre des hommes schweiz.
As the home of numerous multinational companies, Switzerland has a particular responsibility in this regard. There have also been repeated cases of misconduct by corporations in recent years that have caused a stir. For example, after the closure of a smelting plant in Namibia, a metal company left behind 300,000 tonnes of highly toxic arsenic trioxide, which was deposited above a groundwater source that is of national importance.
terre des hommes schweiz is actively committed to ensuring that companies around the world respect human rights and comply with environmental standards. In Western Sahara for example, we are committed to opposing the illegal exploitation of resources by the occupying power and foreign companies. Through our membership of ethos, the foundation for the promotion of sustainable investment, we emphasise the need for companies to conduct their business practices in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
As a member of the Koalition für Konzernverantwortung [Swiss Coalition for Corporate Justice], we are also campaigning for effective legislation in Switzerland to ensure that companies also respect human rights and comply with environmental standards abroad.
Do you have questions about this topic?
Sylvia Valentin
Development Policy Campaigns
+41 (0)61 338 91 45
terre des hommes schweiz
Kasernenhof 8
4058 Basel