Responsible Business Conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean (RBCLAC - Phase I)

• National action policies in Argentina, Chile, Peru and Colombia
• In process in Brazil and Ecuador
• Social responsibility policy in Panama

Regional forums

• Responsible business culture, business resilience and decent work: progress and best practices in the Americas
• Business and Decent Work: The Labour Dimension of Responsible Business Conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Regional Seminar on Responsible Business Conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean

• Responsible business conduct and child labour (guide)
• Responsible business conduct for employers (guide)
• Labour Standards Compliance in Global Supply Chains (course)
• Business and indigenous peoples (course)
• Business and Decent Work (course)
• Family-work conciliation repository for enterprises (course)
• Yo respeto Ecuador (campaign)
• Yo respeto Perú (campaign)

Training on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC)

Support was provided for Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) training conducted by the Argentine Council for Sustainable Development (CEADS) and the United Nations Global Compact in Argentina, reaching more than 100 companies.

Support for the "Companies Committed to Human Rights" Program

The "Companies Committed to Human Rights" program was supported in Buenos Aires, with the participation of more than 60 companies applying RBC standards.

Self-assessment Guide on RBC

A self-assessment guide on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) was developed and launched, later adopted by the Argentine Industrial Union (UIA) as a tool to promote knowledge and corporate skills in this field.

Report on Educational and Labor Practices with a Focus on RBC

A report was published on educational and labor practices focusing on Responsible Business Conduct, developed in collaboration with the Argentine Industrial Union (UIA).

Support for the "Entrepreneurial Management for Women" Initiative

The "Entrepreneurial Management for Women" (Projeto Mulher) initiative was supported, implemented by the National Industrial Apprenticeship Service (SENAI), incorporating the labor perspective of RBC.

Training for Judges on Business and Human Right

Training was provided on business and human rights for judges, complemented by the development of a guide (cartilha) to strengthen accountability and access to resources in this area.

Creation of the Alliance for Human Rights and Business

The "Alliance for Human Rights and Business" multi-stakeholder network was established, driven by RBCLAC and led by the United Nations Global Compact in Brazil. This network involves member companies of the Global Compact, employer organizations (EMBOs), unions, international organizations, and civil society. Its aim is to promote RBC through initiatives like the "Human Rights Pathway for Business," a measurement tool based on the principles of RBC.

Training in Due Diligence on Child and Forced Labor

Training in due diligence on child and forced labor within supply chains was conducted in collaboration with other organizations for companies committed to the Global Compact.

Support for the Sustainable Work and RBC Program

Support was provided for awareness and communication of the Sustainable Work and RBC Program by the Labor Inspection Secretariat of the Ministry of Labor and Employment, with special attention to the supply chains of açaí, cocoa, coffee, carnauba, charcoal, nuts, onions, livestock, and sisal.

Specialized Training in RBC for the Aquaculture Industry

Specialized training in Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) was provided for the aquaculture and salmon industries, covering the five largest companies in the sector, which account for 60% of national production.

Support for the "Acción Empresas" Program

Support was extended to the "Acción Empresas" program, the oldest private-sector initiative in Chile focused on RBC, with the participation of 200 companies. This effort promoted social dialogue, sustainability, and the integration of RBC principles into national policy and strategy for the decarbonization of the energy matrix.

Pilot Program in the Wine Sector

A pilot program was implemented in collaboration with the General Directorate of Labor to promote RBC and good business practices in the wine sector. This program focused on the inclusion of suppliers and the eradication of forced and child labor (2019–2022).

Tool for Occupational Health and Safety Management

In collaboration with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of Chile, a pilot program was launched to develop a tool that helps SMEs manage their occupational health and safety strategies in line with ILO Convention 187 and the RBC approach.

Proposals for Socio-Environmental Management in Power Plants

Proposals for implementing socio-environmental management measures in coal-fired power plants were presented as part of the Just Transition framework and the principles of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC).

Forum on Trade, RBC, and Decent Work

In October 2024, a forum on trade, RBC, and decent work was held in Santiago, organized in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The two-day event was a tripartite meeting attended by academics and ECLAC representatives.

Training for SMEs and Exporting Companies

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and exporting companies were trained, with the participation of 300 business representatives linked to PROCOLOMBIA (the organization responsible for promoting foreign investment in Colombia) and more than 400 business leaders from the Santander region. As a result, the training materials were published on an open-access online platform: www.foco.com.co.

Training on the Declaration of Multinational Enterprises

Training sessions were conducted on the Declaration of Multinational Enterprises, RBC instruments, and supply chains. The sessions targeted staff from the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Labor, involving representatives from 32 regional prosecutor’s offices and 164 provincial prosecutors in Colombia.

Capacity-Building in Key Sectors

Capacity-building programs were implemented in strategic sectors such as mining and hydrocarbons, with the participation of companies like ECOPETROL.

Technical Assistance to FEDEPALMA

Technical assistance was provided to the National Federation of Oil Palm Growers (FEDEPALMA) for developing its Gender Equality Policy and a training program on decent work. As part of the "Sustainable Palm Oil" initiative, issues related to due diligence and the Declaration of Multinational Enterprises (MNE) were addressed, with more than 400 participants.

Training for ASOCAÑA Companies

A training program was implemented for 18 companies of the Colombian Association of Sugar Cane Growers (ASOCAÑA). This resulted in the development of more than 100 initiatives focused on compliance with RBC standards.

Campaign Against Child Labor in the Coffee Sector

The campaign "The Coffee Business Protecting Children" was launched in Salgar, aiming to eradicate child labor in the coffee sector through the lens of due diligence and supply chains. The campaign included the production of a testimonial video to highlight the initiative through community voices and the creation of an eight-episode radio program.

Workshop on the Principles of the Global Compact

A workshop on the challenges in implementing the Principles of the Global Compact was held, with the participation of more than 50 representatives of companies and the main employers’ organization, the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP).

Training on Child Labor

Training on child labor was conducted with public officials in Costa Rica, attended by over 20 representatives from various government ministries and state-owned companies.

Seminar on Sustainability in the Sugar Sector

A seminar on sustainability in the supply chain of the sugar sector was organized, with the participation of more than 40 representatives from business organizations in Central America and Peru.

RBC Training for Union Leaders

Training on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) was delivered to union leaders from the National Federation of Agricultural Workers (FENTRAGH), a representative organization in the agricultural sector.

Human Rights Impact Mapping

Participation in human rights impact mapping processes was led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). These processes focused on the coffee, sugarcane, and pineapple sectors and were carried out in collaboration with employer organizations and key sector companies.

Interactive Guide Against Child Labor

In collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and the National Network Against Child Labor, an interactive guide was developed. This guide brings together key business associations such as the Business Association for Development (AED) and UCCAEP, aiming to promote best practices for eradicating child labor.

Update of the Sustainable Public Procurement Guide

The Sustainable Public Procurement Guide was updated to encourage public suppliers to implement due diligence processes in their operations.

RBC Guide for SMEs (CERPYME)

The CERPYME Guide, a resource specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), was developed and includes a self-assessment tool. This guide was updated in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce.

Sustainable Methodology Training for Trainers

Trainers were educated in the "Sustainable, Competitive, and Responsible Enterprises" methodology. These trainers subsequently replicated their knowledge by providing training and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve their productivity and working conditions.

Technical Sessions for CSOs, Universities, and Public Institutions

Technical sessions were organized for civil society organizations (CSOs), universities, and public institutions, including the Secretariat of Planning, addressing challenges related to human rights and businesses in Ecuador.

RBC Training for SMEs

Over 200 SMEs received training on topics related to Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), emphasizing how these principles can serve as a strategic advantage to boost their export businesses.

Training for the Tourism Sector

Training sessions were provided to SMEs in the tourism sector on compliance with International Labour Standards in supply chains, promoting responsible and sustainable business practices.

Online Tool "Yo Respeto Ecuador"

The "Yo Respeto Ecuador" online tool was developed to disseminate and facilitate access to knowledge about the labor dimension of RBC and international standards. The tool contributes to raising awareness and providing training on these topics.

Business and Human Rights Community of Practice

The Business and Human Rights Community of Practice initiative was promoted in Mexico, representing a concrete commitment by more than 100 Mexican companies to raise their RBC standards in their supply chains.

Regional Environmental Due Diligence Programs

Regional environmental due diligence programs were developed with the active participation of more than 80 companies.

Sectoral Roadmap on RBC and Due Diligence

In collaboration with the Mexican Mining Chamber and the National Agricultural Council, a sectoral roadmap proposal on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) and Human Rights Due Diligence was developed. This initiative is part of a joint effort by the three International Organizations (IOs) of RBCLAC.

Adaptation of the Business Self-Assessment Guide

The Business Self-Assessment Guide was adapted for Mexico, based on national legislation and the principles of ILO Conventions and Recommendations.

Virtual Learning Platform

A virtual learning platform was developed for the Business Coordinating Council to promote and advance Responsible Business Conduct (RBC). This platform integrates the constituent employer organizations of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMÍN) and the Employers' Confederation of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX).

Business Network for the Prevention of Child Labor

From 2022 to 2023, the Business Network for the Prevention of Child Labor and the Promotion of Safe and Responsible Youth Employment was developed. More than 30 representatives participated in this forum, sharing best practices and relevant experiences.

Web Tool for Work-Life Balance

An interactive web tool was created regionally to guide companies in implementing work-life balance policies.

Recommendations for the "Yo SÍ Cumplo" Program

Recommendations were made to the governmental program MITRADEL "Yo SÍ Cumplo" to incorporate a managerial approach and improve business communication channels. In 2023, a special category was introduced to recognize best practices in the eradication of child labor.

Gender-Focused Labor Inspection

A manual and guide on gender-focused labor inspection were developed, accompanied by training for the National Inspection Directorate's team to ensure proper implementation.

Report on Women's Entrepreneurship

In collaboration with the National Council of Private Enterprise (CoNEP), the Report on Women's Entrepreneurship Development was prepared and published, analyzing the challenges and opportunities in this area.

Regional Seminar on RBC

In August 2022, a regional seminar was held in Panama City focused on the labor dimension of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) in Latin America. The event included a three-day tripartite meeting, facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange among participants.

Decentralization and Regional Workshops

The project progressed with a decentralization strategy, organizing 18 workshops in five regions of the country: Ica, Cusco, Ucayali, Cajamarca, and Piura. These events included participation from over 800 individuals (2023). As a result, the regional governments of Ica and Piura incorporated regional regulations on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), declaring it a political priority in their territories. Additionally, Piura, Cajamarca, and Ica formalized their Human Rights and Business (BHR) committees.

Developed Materials and Resources

• Online Course: The online course "Businesses and Indigenous Peoples" was launched, specifically aimed at the mining and energy sectors.
• Awareness Guides: Guides were developed to raise awareness among public and private sectors about the negative impacts of forced labor and various forms of child labor.
• Labor Inclusion: A guide was published to assist Peruvian companies in promoting the labor inclusion of migrants and refugees in the Peruvian job market.
• Informative Manual: In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Labor, a manual on due diligence was developed for trade unionists, linked to the implementation of the National Action Plan (PNA).