MASTER THESIS: HUMAN RIGHTS DUE DILIGENCE IN EU SUPPLY CHAINS
The challenge
My Master’s thesis examined whether Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) can act as a catalyst for protecting human rights in global business operations. The research placed the German law within the wider evolution of mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence (mHRDD) in Europe, exploring its effectiveness, enforcement and implications for future EU legislation.
The approach
I designed and conducted the research independently, combining legal dogmatic analysis, comparative legal research and a case-study approach. I compared emerging European due diligence frameworks and conducted 10 semi-structured expert interviews with stakeholders across the business and human rights field. I then used comparative legal and thematic analysis to bring the legal evidence and stakeholder perspectives together.
The outcome
The thesis found that Germany has the potential to use the LkSG as a foundation for stronger alignment with the wider European human rights due diligence framework. It highlights the importance of effective institutional design, enforcement and continued adaptation of mHRDD legislation, while positioning Germany as a potentially influential actor in the development of corporate accountability standards across Europe
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