Mercedes-Benz fights for human rights and an open society in the USA

Mercedes-Benz fights for human rights and an open society in the USA

Sustainability and human rights are the focus of the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz takes a clear position in the current discussion. Jürgen Gleichauf, who has served as the company's human rights officer since January 2023, highlights the values ​​and commitments that Mercedes represents in the United States and globally. The experienced manager, who also serves as Chief Compliance Officer, follows a clear line: he is convinced that human rights are universal and do not stop at borders. Although the legal framework in the USA remains unchanged, the company is actively committed to an open society and focuses particularly on the rights of vulnerable groups. This decision was made to raise awareness of human rights issues in the United States and promote international standards, such as the UN Charter of Human Rights. This is reported by Capital.

What is actually behind the global challenges that companies have to deal with today? Child labor, exploitation and discrimination in particular are commonplace in many countries and sectors worldwide. In order to counteract these grievances, the German Supply Chain Act came into force in 2023. The aim of this law is to improve the global responsibility of German companies. From 2024 it will apply to companies with at least 1,000 employees; In the first year, companies with over 3,000 employees were covered by the regulation. The law aims to take the entire supply chain into account and analyze human rights risks as part of their due diligence obligations. Environmental protection is also an issue: companies must ensure that their supply chains are environmentally friendly in order to prevent human rights violations. More about this at the Federal Government.

Duties and responsibilities

Companies must ensure that their suppliers do not violate human rights - this includes both direct and indirect suppliers. According to the new law, they are obliged to take preventive and remedial measures, provide grievance options and report regularly on their activities. In the event of violations, they must act immediately. This not only offers legal security, but also creates fair competitive conditions for companies that operate sustainably. Around 900 companies in Germany are affected, and the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) is checking compliance with the regulations. Foreign companies with a branch in this country also have to comply with the law.

But what is the role of Mercedes-Benz in this environment? Gleichauf emphasizes that the claim to products without human rights violations is part of the brand identity. This is not only done out of responsible behavior, but also because the pressure from social expectations and the growing sensitivity of consumers is enormous. Young people, for example, are showing great interest in sustainability issues and are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the market. Gleichauf sees intercultural communication and analytical thinking as essential for the work of the human rights officer. Anyone who works at this interface must also develop a feeling for the team and the interaction of everyone involved.

The look forward

The challenges are great, but Mercedes-Benz shows that you can make a contribution with a clear position and a willingness to change. Despite the weaknesses in the current supply chain law, Gleichauf sees these regulations as implementable. He believes that companies should not wait for legal pressure to fulfill their human rights obligations. As part of global responsibility, it is essential that companies like Mercedes-Benz take a pioneering role. The realization that people are often grateful when human rights risks are brought to their attention could be the key to sustainable and fair corporate policies. This conviction is certainly the reason why Gleichauf and his team are committed to this challenge with commitment and drive.

In the context of international developments, it becomes clear: sustainability and human rights are not trends, but rather obligations that belong in the DNA of every company. The journey is the destination, and Mercedes-Benz seems to be taking this with a clear goal in mind. Information and awareness are key, not just for companies but for society as a whole. Reports of such efforts can help further raise awareness.