STRATEGIC INTEGRATION OS HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION AS A CORPORATE DUE DILIGENCE IMPLEMENTATION TOOL

EU AND GERMAN OBLIGATIONS AND INSPIRATIONS

Abstract

This research examines the role of human rights education as a tool for corporate governance in the context of due diligence, specifically within the frameworks of the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). The primary aim is to determine whether educating employees on human rights can help companies meet their compliance requirements under these legal instruments. The study seeks to assess the effectiveness of human rights education for employees in ensuring due diligence compliance with the EU's CSDDD and Germany's LkSG. This research is timely given recent legislative changes: Germany's LkSG, which took effect in 2023, and the EU's CSDDD, approved in 2024. These regulations impose significant human rights obligations on companies, presenting a considerable compliance challenge. A key aspect of these obligations is the requirement for companies to provide human rights training to their employees and business partners. Human rights education serves not only as a compliance measure but also as a strategic measure to help companies meet broader human rights obligations. The research has two main objectives: to outline the specific human rights education requirements imposed on companies and to illustrate how such education can support compliance with other human rights responsibilities. The study uses a combination of legal instruments analysis, doctrinal analysis, and theoretical approaches to explore the impact of education within corporate and business organizations. By reviewing relevant legislation and scholarly doctrine, the research aims to offer a thorough understanding of the role of human rights education in corporate compliance. The research starts with the hypothesis that human rights education is not only necessary – in some cases – for companies to fulfill their legal obligations under the LkSG and CSDDD, but also beneficial in general for the compliance of other human rights obligation. Educating employees is considered a crucial element for effective due diligence and overall compliance with human rights standards. This study underscores the importance of human rights education in corporate governance, particularly in light of recent European legislative developments. By focusing on the educational aspects of compliance, the research aims to provide insights into how companies can better manage and adhere to the complex array of human rights obligations. The findings suggest that human rights education is a valuable tool for companies striving to meet their legal requirements and enhance their overall corporate governance practices.