Economic growth in Germany and other industrial nations is based on the increased consumption of largely mineral (e.g. copper, iron, gold, aluminium) and energetic (e.g. crude oil, natural gas, carbon) resources.

Download the publication Corporate Responsibility without Obligations? Binding Rules for Corporations – Protection for People and the Environment (pdf, version en Español)

Globally, this economic model leads to massive social and ecological inequity. While in Germany and in the European Union this model continues to be supported through economic funding and trade liberalisation, attempts are being made internationally to find and take alternative routes.

The debate surrounding the human rights regulation of corporate activities has had a great significance in this context: On the UN level, the formulation of a binding instrument for transnational corporations and human rights has begun in 2015. The EU is developing a conflict mineral regulation, and an increasing number of countries are introducing criminal liability for corporations. In this leaflet, Hands on the Land partner FDCL provides an overview of these proposals and develops an argumentative aid using the example of the Latin-American commodities sector, which is so very important for Germany.