Right from the beginning of the Omnibus 1 debate, European policy-makers have repeatedly framed human rights due diligence as a huge barrier to competitiveness. But does this actually reflect the reality?

In this episode of the Frankly Speaking podcast, Richard Howitt was joined by Dr Siniša Milatović, Programme Manager at UNDP and Olena Uvarova, UNDP Business and Human Rights Specialist as well as Associate Professor at Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University in Ukraine.

Together they explained the key findings of their recently released report “Human Rights vs Competitiveness – A False Dilemma?”, which is the first research that finds evidence showing that respect for human rights is good for business. You’ll also hear more about:

• The report’s key takeaway that stronger human rights performance increased corporate efficiency, leader to tangible economic benefits

• The robust methodology behind the report, based on the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB)

• The research’s finding that investors did not punish firms for improved human rights performance, contrary to popular belief

• Siniša and Olena’s message to European policymakers negotiating the Omnibus proposals

• How business and human rights have been developing in Ukraine during wartime

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