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Afghan girl working in a brick factory in Kabul
Photo: imago stock&people/ imago/Xinhua
It has long been undisputed that international supply chains also have a political significance.
Since the war in Ukraine, it has become apparent worldwide how food security and prosperity are directly linked to it.
But fundamental differences in human rights standards remain.
During the German G7 Presidency, Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil spoke out in favor of stronger human rights standards in this context.
"What is needed is a global understanding of what sustainable corporate action looks like - and how it can be implemented," said Heil at a digital G7 conference on Friday.
More support is needed, especially for victims of human rights violations.
"We will not be successful without more commitment," said the SPD politician.
A clear vote by the G7 states would be desirable.
Many details still unclear
The next summit of the seven leading economic nations will take place in July in Bavaria's Schloss Elmau.
In addition to Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada and the USA are also members.
The Federal Republic holds the presidency this year.
Heil told the German Press Agency that the binding standards aimed for must be accepted by as many states as possible – support from decision-makers in business, trade unions and civil society is also important.
However, the minister left it open how exactly an agreement could be reached within the framework of the G7 conference.
Last year, the Bundestag passed a supply chain law.
In the future, large companies in Germany should take more consistent action against child or forced labor in their supply chains.
The regulations are intended to help curb poor working conditions at suppliers and producers worldwide.
However, development aid organizations criticized the law as a minimum solution with many loopholes.
Germany's own supply chain law still has loopholes
Thus, companies are only responsible for direct suppliers, criticized Oxfam representatives, among others: "This is not only inconsistent, but even falls behind the practice of many companies that are also involved in the countries where their products are produced".
At the request of the Union, additional civil liability for companies was waived.
Workers who have been exploited on plantations or in factories, for example, cannot, according to critics, assert claims for damages before German courts.
It is not yet clear whether the current federal government is considering expanding the German regulations or whether it wants to persuade other states to adopt more far-reaching standards.
The supply chain law that has been passed is to apply from 2023.
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