Analysing the impact of the EU’s corporate sustainability due diligence directive on forced labour in the technology sector

Abstract

This dissertation explores the impact of the European Union’s (EU) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) on forced labour in the technology sector and its potential to effectively address this human right violation. As the technology sector continues to grow in influence and reach, so too does its responsibility to uphold human rights across its supply chains. Thus, through an in-depth analysis, this study will examine the various legislative approaches towards mandatory human rights due diligence, adopted by different legal frameworks – namely France, Germany, India and China – prior to the adoption of the CSDDD, to elicit the significance of mandatory due diligence approaches over voluntary due diligence approaches. In analysing the impact of the CSDDD on forced labour, this research will attempt to uncover the best corporate practices that promote ethical standards in the technology sector and delve into the potential challenges faced by the technology industry in implementing such legislation. Furthermore, this dissertation will argue that while the CSDDD is a landmark legislation in embedding respect for human rights in global supply chains through binding obligations, it nevertheless contains several gaps which necessitate further scrutiny. To address these limitations, this study will propose key recommendations for how Malta can transpose the directive into national law in a way that meaningfully addresses labour exploitation in the technology sector.