The study aims to clarify the current legal framework for human rights and the environment applicable to EU-based companies when they operate outside the European Union. A better common understanding of existing legal requirements will facilitate an effective implementation of the UN business and human rights framework put forward by Professor John Ruggie, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Business and Human Rights.
The idea of this study emerged during a meeting of the European Multistakeholder Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility in February 2009. A number of stakeholder groups, including employers' associations, trade unions and non-governmental organisations, provided input for the terms of reference. A multistakeholder steering committee helped to guide the study team.
This study was prepared for the European Commission by the University of Edinburgh. It was published in October 2010.
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