BioMar published a joint statement, together with 12 large Nordic international companies, to demonstrate support for human rights due diligence legislation in Europe. An international regulation would aim to improve human rights throughout global value chains by having an aligned agenda that is effective across country borders.
BioMar, as an international company working across borders and with a complex value chain, has been increasing focus on human rights and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights over the last few years to strengthen internal practices as well as developmental work with suppliers. As a part of this engagement, BioMar participates in the Nordic Business Network for Human Rights and contributes to other similar seafood industry forums.
The Nordic Business Network for Human Rights has demonstrated in this joint statement their support for a human rights due diligence legislation at the EU. Signatory companies are BioMar, Novo Nordisk, The Lego Group, Arla, Danfoss, Inter IKEA Group, Lundbeck, Neste, Norsk Hydro, Statkraft, Vestas Wind Systems and Yara.
“It is important that we use the leverage of EU to achieve legislative alignment regarding human rights due diligence across industries. The EU has a unique opportunity to develop a regulatory framework that could serve as an effective, efficient and coherent tool for the aquaculture industry, and which could assist as an international benchmark for advancing the implementation of the UNGPs,” explained Sif Rishoej, VP People, Purpose & Communication, BioMar Group.
The Danish Institute for Human Rights moderates the Nordic Business Network for Business and Human Rights and welcomes the companies’ joint call. “This statement from major Nordic companies is a much-needed contribution to the current debate on an EU wide measure on human rights due diligence. Such a measure bears the potential to improve human rights in global value chains, including for workers and communities in poor countries. We recognize the leadership it takes to welcome such a legislative development and hope this input will inform the discussions and support the EU Commission and Parliament in developing an effective and impactful measure in support of human rights,” said Elin Wrzonchki, department director on Business and Human Rights.
Download the statement below.
