A new centre aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and supporting companies in meeting evolving human rights regulations has been launched in Berlin, marking a significant step in aligning industry practices with stricter due diligence laws.
The Competence Centre for Human Rights Due Diligence has been established by UNI Global Union and IndustriALL Global Union, in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB).
The initiative comes as industries, including textiles and apparel, face increasing regulatory pressure to ensure ethical labour practices across global supply chains. Governments and policymakers are introducing stricter due diligence requirements, particularly in Europe, to hold companies accountable for human rights impacts.
The new centre is designed to help companies navigate these regulatory changes while ensuring workers’ rights are protected. It will provide guidance, tools and expertise to support businesses in implementing effective human rights due diligence systems.
Industry observers note that the textile and garment sector is among those most affected by such regulations, given its complex and often globalised supply chains. Ensuring compliance requires greater transparency, improved monitoring and stronger engagement with workers and suppliers.
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The centre aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice. By bringing together trade unions, industry stakeholders and policy experts, it seeks to create a collaborative platform for addressing challenges and sharing best practices.
A key focus will be on supporting companies in meeting requirements under new and upcoming legislation, including Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and broader European Union initiatives on corporate sustainability.
These regulations require companies to identify, prevent and address human rights risks within their operations and supply chains. Failure to comply can result in legal, financial and reputational consequences.
The Berlin-based centre will offer training programmes, advisory services and research to help organisations strengthen their due diligence frameworks. It will also promote dialogue between companies, workers and policymakers.
Trade unions involved in the initiative say the centre will play an important role in ensuring that workers’ voices are included in decision-making processes. They emphasise that effective due diligence must go beyond compliance and lead to real improvements in working conditions.
The partnership reflects a growing recognition of the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing labour rights issues. By combining the expertise of global unions and policy institutions, the centre aims to deliver practical solutions.
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the German Trade Union Confederation bring strong experience in labour rights advocacy and policy development, supporting the centre’s broader mission.
Industry leaders say the timing of the initiative is significant. As sustainability becomes a key priority, social responsibility and labour rights are increasingly seen as essential components of responsible business practices.
The centre is expected to contribute to greater awareness of human rights risks within supply chains and encourage companies to take proactive measures.
For the textile and apparel sector, this includes addressing issues such as fair wages, safe working conditions and freedom of association. These challenges remain central to global discussions on ethical sourcing.
The launch also highlights Germany’s role in shaping international standards on corporate responsibility. The country has been at the forefront of introducing legislation aimed at improving supply chain transparency and accountability.
As companies adapt to new regulatory frameworks, the Competence Centre is expected to serve as a key resource for guidance and support.
Organisers say the ultimate goal is to create a more equitable and sustainable global economy, where workers’ rights are respected and protected across all levels of production.
The Berlin launch marks the beginning of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance, foster collaboration and drive meaningful change in global supply chains.
