The Netherlands imports smartphones from China and clothing from Bangladesh. Like other nations, it transacts business all around the world. That’s good for employment and wellbeing, innovation and economic growth. But a Dutch company involved in international business dealings may also be implicated in child labour, for example, or in damaging fragile ecosystems.
Businesses that sign IRBC agreements work with government, unions and NGOs to prevent abuses. The agreements are concluded sector by sector, with the partners developing long-term strategies to tackle complex problems together. The agreements are based on recommendations issued by the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) in 2014.
IRBC are voluntary agreements, but they involve a firm commitment on the part of the partners. Sectors are themselves initiating negotiations with NGOs, unions and government generating broad support for the agreements. Agreements have already been concluded in various sectors, such as garments and textile, gold, and banking, and more are currently being negotiated.