WORKSHOP

RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE (PRECIOUS) STONES, METALS AND MINERALS VALUE CHAINS

Embedding the Commodity Trading Sector Guidance on implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

WHEN? 16^th and 18^th March 2021, 9am – 11am CET (2 x 2hr sessions)

WHERE? Online

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretary for Economic Affairs (SECO) warmly invite you to a unique, innovative online workshop involving actors from across the full spectrum of the (precious) stones, metals and minerals supply chains. The purpose of the two-part event is to support Swiss companies to respond to existing and upcoming legislation and implement the Commodity Trading Sector Guidance on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights both individually and collectively. This event is also supported by the Global Compact Network Switzerland (GCNS).

We will be focusing on the following central questions:

• What are the practical implications of the counter-project for Swiss businesses in the value chains for precious stones, metals and minerals? Over what timeline are these implications anticipated to be felt?
• How can companies use the Sector Guidance to take action to prepare for the counter-project and other legislation coming into force?
• Which specific practices or methodologies can be used to effectively manage human rights risks and impacts in supply chains and address adverse impacts when they occur?
• What opportunities are there to collaborate to address shared challenges?

The first session 9-11am CET on the 16^th of March will entail expert briefings on the expectations and requirements of business regarding human rights due diligence as well as space for questions and discussion.

The second session 9-11am CET on the 18^th of March will build on the first and entail interactive workshops exploring implementation challenges and opportunities.

The workshop will be facilitated by human rights due diligence experts twentyfifty GmBH and involve contributions from Swiss government officials and practitioners from across the value chains.

Please share any questions or thoughts on the event by contacting mari.boman@twentyfifty.de