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Responsible Contracting Project

RCP

RCP works to improve human rights in global supply chains by developing and disseminating practical tools to implement human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) in commercial contracts.

Lobbying Activity

Response to Evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives

7 Mar 2025

The EU Public Procurement Directives should provide clear direction for public buyers who wish to set Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) criteria for commercial suppliers. Public buyers should also be provided with clear guidance and flexibility to conduct HREDD, enabling them to screen suppliers, set conditions of participation, and assess their capacity to uphold human rights and environmental standards for instance. When a government agency operates commercially, HREDD responsibilities may apply across different contractual processes; i.e, identifying risks, selecting capable suppliers, administering contracts, monitoring performance, and responding to violations. The Directives could offer greater latitude and direction to support public buyers throughout each stage of the procurement process. Public contracts should clearly define responsibilities between parties, with balanced, realistic expectations that buyers and suppliers can meet. The European Commission should develop guidance on how public buyers can develop responsible contracts so that procurement contributes to and does not inadvertently undermine public goals (e.g. sustainable development, addressing forced labour, climate change). This guidance should include examples of good practice on utilising contracts to achieve public procurement objectives.
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