On 25 August 2024, two Individuals from Nepal submitted a specific instance to the Swiss NCP alleging that Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global, a leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, had not observed the General Policies (Chapter II) and Human Rights (Chapter IV) provisions of the Guidelines. Specifically, issues concern the due diligence of the company regarding possible human rights violations that occurred because of the construction of a business complex, called Chhaya Center, in Kathmandu, Nepal. According to the submitters, this business complex was built on land that has religious and cultural significance to indigenous persons and communities. The submitting parties believe that these aspects should have been taken into account when entering in a business relationship with the business center through leasing contracts and that the company should have engaged with local stakeholders.

The NCP is currently undertaking an initial assessment.

#nationallaw #directlylinked #stakeholderengagement #duediligence #ESCR#reprisals #labourconditions #investmentbanking #institutionalinvestors #passiveinvestments #coordination #parallelproceedings #state-ownedenterprise #fortune500