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Swiss voters to decide again on imposing ethical behaviour on companies

Over 287,000 signatures in favour of greater corporate responsibility
Over 287,000 signatures in favour of greater corporate responsibility Keystone-SDA

A second Swiss "Responsible Business" initiative has attracted 287,000 signatures, nearly three times the 100,000 backers needed to trigger a nationwide vote.

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The initiative calls for Swiss corporations and their subsidiaries to respect human rights and environmental protection at home and abroad and be liable for any damage caused.

The initiative was only launched at the beginning of the year. On Tuesday, the Coalition for Corporate Responsibility submitted it with over 287,000 signatures.

The first Responsible Business Initiative in 2020 passed the popular vote, but did not gain approval from a majority of cantons.

The fact that the new initiative came about so quickly shows the great support for the issue, said parliamentarian Stefan Müller-Altermatt.

The initiative calls for Switzerland to orientate itself towards international guidelines and EU regulations when it comes to corporate responsibility. However, the coalition criticises that while laws are being passed elsewhere, no progress is being made in Switzerland.

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Collection start for a new corporate responsibility initiative

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Swiss campaigners launch another ‘responsible business initiative’

This content was published on A coalition has launched a new “responsible business initiative”, urging the government to ensure that Swiss-based multinationals and their subsidiaries abroad respect human rights and protect the environment.

Read more: Swiss campaigners launch another ‘responsible business initiative’

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