Solidarity statement on Korean law to protect people and environment

Transnational corporations are often responsible for grave human rights abuses, a reality that is evident in the daily lives of garment workers across the globe. From poverty wages, to unhealthy working conditions, to water and air pollution and industrial waste, for too long private capital has been allowed to drive down the cost of labor and to destroy the natural environment. Corporations also remain the main contributors to dangerous climate change.

International standards such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct have long recognized the harmful impact of business activities, yet voluntary standards have failed in changing corporate behavior. This is why the European Union (EU) adopted last year the first EU-wide rules on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence, building on pre-existing legislation in countries such as France and Germany.

The draft law presented today at the South Korean National Assembly represents a significant step in creating fair and just value chains and contributing to the growing international body of rules on responsible business conduct. The CCC congratulates South Korean law-makers on being the front runners of responsible business conduct in the region, and urges all members of the Assembly to show their support to the Act.