Human rights

Since the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) came into force, companies have become increasingly involved in international human rights protection. The requirements for corporate due diligence are intended to ensure that a company's own business practices are in line with international human rights standards in order to raise the global level of protection of fundamental and human rights. We support you in designing and implementing human rights-compliant business practices.

Our lawyers are also happy to take on the legal enforcement and defence of fundamental and human rights before national, European and international courts and committees.

"Has specialised knowledge in the field of human rights"

Legal 500 Deutschland

Enforcement of fundamental and human rights

The basis for the protection of human rights in Germany is formed by the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Basic Law and the individual rights and state obligations laid down in international and European human rights treaties (e.g. the European Convention on Human Rights).

Our human rights lawyers have many years of experience in the defence and enforcement of fundamental and human rights. In addition to advising on fundamental and human rights issues, our firm's practice also includes the handling of constitutional complaints before the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe and individual complaints before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg.

Human rights protection along the supply chain

The impact of the LkSG and the European Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD) on the global protection of human rights by companies is enormous. The regulations not only establish corporate due diligence obligations, but also increase the transparency requirements for corporate activities. In addition, there are further regulations aimed at raising the level of human rights protection, such as the Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains (EUDR), the EU regulation on conflict minerals and the planned regulation on products manufactured using forced labour.

Our lawyers not only have specific expertise in international law, which is essential for understanding international human rights agreements. They are also very familiar with the procedures of the competent German and European authorities, have relevant experience in customs and foreign trade and follow developments at European level from our Brussels office, among other places. Our experts will be happy to help you with the legally compliant implementation of corporate human rights due diligence obligations.

Fair and humane labour

Our lawyers will be happy to help you when it comes to organising and implementing decent working conditions. The labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), in conjunction with fundamental rights and national and European labour standards, form minimum standards for decent work. The focus here is on topics such as occupational health and safety, fair remuneration concepts, strategies for diversity, inclusion and anti-discrimination as well as co-determination in companies (see also Fair Work).