Accountability in global value chains
Legal Responsibilities of States and Corporations in Addressing Harm from Pesticides
What: In-Person official side event during the 12th Session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights
Where: Room XI, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Language: EN/ES interpretation available
How to participate: Register HERE by Sunday 11 October.
This side event seeks to contribute to the OEIGWG discussions by connecting lived experiences and legal cases with normative treaty development, and by exploring the complementary roles of States, corporations, and international ethical actors in ensuring prevention of harm and access to justice.
Background:
Across global value chains, communities continue to experience adverse human rights and environmental impacts linked to corporate activities, including in the production, distribution, and use of hazardous pesticides. Despite existing voluntary standards and non-binding mechanisms, access to remedy remains limited and fragmented, particularly in the so-called downstream supply chain.
A concrete illustration is provided by ongoing legal and advocacy efforts concerning pesticide-related harms associated with multinational agrochemical production. Civil society organisations, including Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS), Terra de Direitos, BASE-IS, Fundación TIERRA and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), have jointly submitted a complaint under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, highlighting structural accountability gaps and the transboundary nature of harm. At the same time, evolving regulatory developments in the European Union, including corporate due diligence frameworks, as well as discussions at national level and within multilateral processes, demonstrate increasing recognition of State responsibilities to regulate corporate conduct effectively, including in cross-border contexts.
Food will be provided for this event. Please, register HERE by Sunday 11 October 2026.
CIDSE contact: Susana Hernández Torres, Corporate Regulation Officer (hernandez(at)cidse.org)