On Tuesday 25 October, MEPs called for the creation of a label to show that a product has been made with full respect for human rights.
Adopting a report by Ignazio Corrao (EFDD, Italy) on corporate responsibility for serious violations of human rights outside the EU (by 569 votes in favour, 54 against and 74 abstentions), the European Parliament recommends that in order to raise awareness among manufacturers and consumers, a label should be established to show respect for human rights for products manufactured outside the EU. The label would be accompanied by an independent monitoring body governed by strict rules and with the power to carry out inspections, the European Parliament adds. MEPs say products granted the label would benefit from special advantages and urge the European Commission to launch a campaign to promote the label.
More generally, the MEPs urge the EU and its member states to set precise rules clearly stating that companies registered in the EU and/or placed under their jurisdiction should be required to respect human rights in their activities.
The Parliament wants political coherence when it comes to business and human rights, particularly with regard to the EU’s trade policy. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)