Business & Human Rights Litigation

Dennis HoremanStefan Sagel + 2 other experts

Human rights span the entire breadth of business' responsibility

... from people, process and finance, to the environments in which they operate. Both society and legislation fuel the increasing demands on business for transparency, responsibility and ultimately, accountability in respect of human rights.

Our integrated Business and Human Rights Litigation practice has a proven track record advising parties from all angles of this complex issue, and capitalises on the strength and depth of our firm. Our broad experience in high end corporate and finance matters with regard to CSR, ESG and SDG's policy complements our renowned track record in litigation and arbitration in highly complex, multi-faceted and sensitive cases on workers' rights, environment, energy, data security & privacy and corporate liability. We handle pro bono litigation on principle and essential matters concerning the Rule of Law.

This all lends our expertise and experience the breadth and depth it needs to help our clients understand their human rights-related obligations, mitigate risk and navigate the potential consequences of any infringement.

Insights

15 April 2024

Dutch Supreme Court asked to hear appeal on academic freedom and dismissal

De Brauw has filed an appeal with the Dutch Supreme Court on behalf of a former senior lecturer at the University of Groningen (RUG), requesting that an 8 January 2024 decision of the Arnhem-Leeuwarden Court of Appeal be set aside. The case revolves around the question of how closely courts should see to it that scientists' academic freedom and freedom of expression are safeguarded in employment termination proceedings.
25 March 2024

EU Council approves amended version of Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

In recent weeks, it looked like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) would not get enough support in the Council, but on 15 March 2024, the necessary qualified majority was obtained. The core of the compromise agreement reached in December 2023 remains intact, meaning that companies falling within the CSDDD's scope will need to adhere to rules that foster sustainable and responsible corporate conduct and anchor human rights and environmental factors in corporate operations and governance. However, substantial concessions had to be made to secure the Council's approval, and the CSDDD is still subject to the final approval of the European Parliament.
29 February 2024

Adoption of Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive no longer likely

After two years of negotiating the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), this proposed directive may not reach the finish line.