The European Commission adopted a proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) on February 23, 2022, with the aim of promoting sustainable and responsible business behavior, that respects human and environmental rights.
More than two years later, the Directive has still not been adopted.
The violation of human rights by some companies in their activities, particularly in Latinamerica, has been cost the lives of too many people, including Berta Cáceres – a well-known indigenous Lenca Honduran activist. Eight years after her assassination, the EU-LAT Network and CIDSE stand in solidarity with the Berta’s family and call on EU Member States to pass a strong CSDDD.
The case of Berta Cáceres demonstrates the need for the urgent adoption of a Directive that guarantees that companies are obliged to respect human rights in the territories where they operate.
Back in 2021, Berta’s daughter, Bertha Zúñiga, wrote a letter to EU Commissioners calling for a strong and effective EU Directive to help prevent the recurrence of brutal human rights abuses by companies, such as those suffered by her family.
The EU-LAT Network and CIDSE urge EU Member States to say YES to a strong Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive!
Please read here our Joint Statement