Podcasts

In this episode, Nicolas Bueno (Assistant Professor at UniDistance Suisse) and Cannelle Lavite (Director of the Business and Human Rights Program at ECCHR) discuss with Claire Bright the proposed changes to the enforcement mechanisms in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) under the Omnibus Proposal. The focus? The implications of the Omnibus Proposal on public enforcement as well as on civil liability and access to justice. Together, they unpack how the removal of key provisions in the CSDDD could notably: ⁠Undermine legal certainty by watering down enforceability; ⁠Weaken access to remedies for victims of corporate harm; Shift responsibility to Member States, creating a fragmented enforcement landscape; ⁠Exclude key stakeholders—such as trade unions and NGOs—from representing affected communities; ⁠Ignore power imbalances in transnational litigation, especially without reversal of the burden of proof. They also explore the lessons learnt from existing laws, and notably the German Chain Due Diligence Act in terms of public enforcement.

Recorded on the 28th of March 2025.

In this episode, Lise Smit (Business and Human Rights Adviser at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP) and Robert McCorquodale (Member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights), join Claire Bright (Founder and Director of the NOVA BHRE) to discuss what do the latest proposed changes in the Omnibus Package mean for corporate accountability in the EU. In particular, they dive into the reduced scope of the CSRD and CSDDD, ⁠narrower due diligence thresholds, limitations for companies <500 employees, and the shift of civil liability to Member States.

Recorded on the 26th of March 2025.

In this podcast, Heidi Hautala  (Former Vice-President of the European Parliament) and Richard Gardiner (Strategic Public Policy Lead at the World Benchmarking Alliance), in conversation with Claire Bright (Founder and Director of the NOVA BHRE), share their perspectives on the European Commission’s Omnibus Proposal released on the 26th of February 2025. They warn against the lack of transparency, consultation and academic research throughout the process leading to the Omnibus Proposal and its misalignment with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct, which form the global norms of reference in the field. The podcast was coordinated by two of our Master students and Research Associates of the NOVA BHRE, Luís Prata Castro and Ana Santos Duarte.

Recorded on the 13th of March 2025.

Neste episódio do nosso podcast, abordamos um tema essencial e atual: Os Planos de Ação Nacional sobre Empresas e Direitos Humanos no Brasil.

Exploramos o desenvolvimento e a implementação desses planos, o seu papel no fortalecimento da responsabilidade corporativa e os principais desafios enfrentados. Além disso, trazemos um panorama sobre o estado atual dos Planos de Ação Nacional em nível global, com especial atenção à América Latina.

Este episódio conta com a participação de Muriele Boscatto, Doutora em Direito Público e pós-doutoranda na Université Panthéon 1 – Sorbonne e UNISINOS; de Jânia Saldanha, especialista em Direito Internacional Público e coordenadora do CCultis; e de Pedro Witschoreck, doutorando na UNISINOS e bolseiro de doutoramento sanduíche na Universidade NOVA de Lisboa – NOVA School of Law, que será o entrevistador. A discussão é moderada por Luís Prata Castro, Research Associate do Nova Centre on Business, Human Rights and the Environment.

Gravado a 25 de Fevereiro de 2025.

Neste episódio do nosso podcast abordamos o impacto que a concentração do mercado agrobioquímico alimentar tem nos Direitos Humanos. Exploramos, através de uma análise interdisciplinar e holística, o papel do setor privado nesta área, o uso massivo de pesticidas e as consequências que estes criam para o ambiente e para a saúde pública. Finalmente, refletimos de que maneira estas dinâmicas podem ser alteradas dentro do sistema económico internacional que as suporta. Este episódio conta a participação da Professora Doutora Ana Luiza Gama, investigadora pós-doc na Universidade Federal Fluminense que se foca nas megafusões de empresas privadas no setor alimentar e o impacto que geram, e foi coordenado e conduzido pela nossa entrevistadora Malindi Assubuji, mestranda na NOVA School of Law e Research Associate do NOVA BHRE.

Gravado a 17 de Dezembro de 2024.

In this new podcast episode, we welcome Maria Folque (Maria is a social innovation expert and a partner and member of the advisory board of Class of Wonders), Ângela Lucas (Founding Partner, and board member and executive director of the sustainable investment Fund, the LAND Fund), and Rita Rendeiro (Partner at law firm CCSL Advogados, where she heads the finance, regulatory and Sustainability practice) to discuss Corporate Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence, and the challenges and opportunities arising from transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) published in the Journal of the European Union on July 5 2024, taking into account possible synergies with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), previously approved in 2022 and how could maximizing alignment to International standards could be ensured. The podcast is coordinated by our Master student and Research Associate of the NOVA BHRE, Luís Prata Castro, and the interview is conducted by Maria Folque.

Recorded on the 25^th of November 2024.

In this new podcast episode, we discuss a key area of concern for international companies operating in the garment and agricultural sectors which is the prevalent use of piece rate payment systems. This episode counts with the participation of Grace Camara and Pallavi Sharma, senior legal advisors at Beyond Human Rights Compliance, which is an international legal consultancy specialised in the implementation of human rights due diligence and responsible business conduct. As piece rate payment systems have been strongly linked to labour violations, our speakers, Grace and Pallavi, provide some practical steps that international companies can take to protect workers from these types of wage violations. This episode was conducted by our Research Assistant and undergraduate student at NOVA School of Law, Matilde Carreira.

Recorded on the 20^th of June 2024.

Neste episódio do nosso podcast abordamos as Diretrizes da OCDE para as Empresas Multinacionais e o respetivo papel do Ponto de Contacto Nacional Português (PCN PT) para Conduta Empresarial Responsável. A composição, papel e atividades desenvolvidas do PT PCN são discutidas, tal como as alterações e impactos da atualização de 2023 das Diretrizes da OCDE. A gestão de instância específicas é também referida, enquanto papel central do PCN PT. A intensificação das atividades do PCN PT aliado a um maior envolvimento com os stakeholders são fatores-chave para promover e apoiar as empresas portuguesas na adoção de uma conduta empresarial responsável e permitem antecipar as futuras obrigações legislativas em matéria de conduta empresarial responsável. Esta discussão conta a participação da Dra. Fernanda Ferreira Dias, Diretora-Geral das Atividades Económicas e a Dra. Carla Sousa Pinto, Diretora de Serviços de Sustentabilidade Empresarial na Direção Geral das Atividades Económicas e são conduzidas pelo nosso entrevistador Luís Prata Castro, mestrando na NOVA School of Law e Research Associate do NOVA BHRE.

Gravado a 5 de junho de 2024.

In this new podcast episode, we discuss how grievance mechanisms can contribute to ensuring effective access to remedy in case of adverse human rights impact linked to corporate activities. More specifically, we discuss Fair Wear Foundation’s grievance mechanisms, a multi-stakeholder organisation of trade union, industry, and NGO constituencies that advances human rights in the garment sector through effective due diligence. This episode counts with the participation of Liselotte Goemans, the Grievance Mechanism Coordinator at the Fair Wear Foundation, which includes developing the strategic directions of the grievance mechanism and ensuring its quality and consistency in implementation. She also works on industry outreach, collaboration and alignment related to access to remedy. Liselotte has a background in cultural anthropology. The episode was conducted by our Research Assistant, Maria Ana Lourenço.

Recorded on the  8th of March 2024.

This new podcast episode features a discussion on lithium mining and its impact on human rights and the environment, with a special focus on the Lithium Triangle in South America as well as in the region of Covas do Barroso, Portugal. The discussion is led by Anaïs Tobalagba (Business and Human Rights Consultant and a visiting researcher at the NOVA BHRE) and features Helle Abelvik-Lawson (business, human rights and environment researcher that holds a PhD in indigenous community participation rights in lithium mining in Argentina and Bolivia) and Catarina Alves Scarrott (Portuguese activist with a special focus on the lithium open-pit mining project in Covas do Barroso and a professor in London). The podcast episode is coordinated by Matilde Carreira, a undergraduate student at NOVA School of Law and Research Assistant at the NOVA BHRE.

Recorded on the 28^th of May 2024.

In this new podcast episode, we welcome Dr. Bernardo Ivo Cruz (Former Portuguese Secretary of State for International Trade and Foreign Investment) and Professor Claire Bright to discuss, the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive for Portuguese companies and the national strategy to advance sustainability in Small and Medium Enterprisers.  The interview is conducted by Ana Duarte Santos, master’s student at NOVA School of Law and research associate at the NOVA BHRE.

Recorded on the 22^nd of April 2024.

In this new podcast episode, we welcome Dr. Maria Manuel Leitão Marques (Member of The European Parliament, Professor at the University of Coimbra, former Minister of the Presidency and of Administrative Modernization in Portugal and co-rapporteur of the EU Forced Labour Regulation) to discuss the new EU Forced Labour Regulation. The interview is conducted by Luís Prata Castro, master’s student at NOVA School of Law and research associate at the NOVA BHRE.

Recorded on the 2nd of April 2024.

In this new podcast episode, we discuss the Nevsun Ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada and its implications for corporate accountability. It counts with the participation of Errol Mendes (Professor at the University of Ottawa) and our interviewer Luís Prata Castro, Master’s student at NOVA School of Law and research associate of the NOVA BHRE.

Recorded on the 14th of March 2024.

Neste episódio do nosso podcast abordamos os desafios de lutar e advogar pelos direitos das crianças em Moçambique, bem como alguns dos melhores programas e estratégias a serem investidos nesta luta. Estamos também a focar na inclusão imperativa dos direitos das crianças no âmbito da diligência prévia e qual o reflexo desta prática para empresas. Estas discussões contam com a participação da Dra. Irina Matos (da UNICEF Moçambique) e são conduzidas pela nossa entrevistadora Claudia Baptista, mestranda na NOVA School of Law e Research Associate do NOVA BHRE.

Gravado a 5 de janeiro 2023.

In this new podcast episode, we discuss the relevance of model contractual clauses in upholding human rights and environmental standards in global supply chains. It counts with the participation of Dr. Martijn Scheltema and Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, conducted by our interviewer Luís Prata Castro, master’s student at NOVA School of Law and research associate of the NOVA BHRE

Recorded on the 8th of December 2023.

In this month’s podcast episode, we are discussing the intricate relationship between businesses and conflict dynamics, exploring why they’re often deemed non-neutral actors. Delving into the responsibilities of corporations as non-state actors, we examine their International Humanitarian Law (IHL) duties during conflict scenarios. This discussion counts with the participation of Dr Jonathan Kolieb (Senior Lecturer in the Graduate School of Business and Law as well as the Co-Director of the Business and Human Rights Centre at the RMIT University) and is conducted by our interviewer Claudia Baptista, master’s student at NOVA School of Law and research associate of the NOVA BHRE.

Recorded on the 28th of November 2023.

Neste novo episódio, Odete Severino (perita em Direitos Humanos e Direitos da Criança) e Inês Poeiras (Presidente da Caminhos da Infância) conversam com Maria Miguel Oliveira da Silva (doutoranda na NOVA School of Law e research associate do NOVA BHRE). No Dia Mundial contra o Trabalho Infantil, discorrem sobre o trabalho infantil nas cadeias de abastecimento ao redor do globo, bem como acerca da situação portuguesa em particular, discutindo opções, metas e vias de erradicação da exploração infantil, sobretudo das suas piores formas até 2025.

Gravado a 31 de maio 2023.

In this month’s podcast episode, Paul Mougeolle (PhD researcher and project coordinator, legal advisor and spokesperson for the French NGO Notre Affaire à Tous) discusses with Cláudia Baptista (Research Associate at the NOVA BHRE) the scope and application of the French Duty of Vigilance Law. The conversation touches upon the corporate due diligence requirements under the French Law, including in matters of climate change and their implications for companies, and discusses recent case-law in France on this matter. 

Recorded on the 12th of Abril 2023.

Neste novo episódio de podcast, Francisco Granja de Almeida (Associate Lawyer VdA) e Salomé Areias (Fashion Revolution Coord/PhD Fellow in Sustainability) em conversa com Raquel Burgoa Dias (Research Associate NOVA BHRE), dão-nos a conhecer os principais desafios que as empresas da indústria têxtil e do vestuário enfrentarão com a implementação da Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and amending Directive, salientando que para reduzir os impactos ambientais dos têxteis é crucial uma mudança para modelos de negócios circulares.

Gravado a 3 de fevereiro 2023.

In this podcast episode organised in partnership with PLMJ, Sarah Dadush (Professor at Rutgers Law School) and Claire Bright (Director of the NOVA BHRE) discuss, together with Inês Crispim (Associate at PLMJ and Research Associate at the NOVA BHRE), the Model Clauses to protect workers in international supply chains developed by the American Business Association and how they this type of model clauses are envisaged in the framework of the Draft Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence.

Recorded in September 2022.

On this new episode of the podcast series, Maria Pia Bianchetti (Programme Specialist on Child Rights and Business at UNICEF) and Maria Miguel Oliveira da Silva (Research Associate of the NOVA Centre on Business, Human Rights and the Environment) hold a conversation with regard to children’s rights in general and the Due Diligence legislation.

Recorded in June 2022.

Neste novo episódio do nosso Podcast, dedicado ao tema do impacto da proposta de Diretiva no setor financeiro e bancário, o Dr. Bruno Ferreira numa conversa com Dussu Djabula e Raquel Burgoa Dias dá-nos a conhecer as consequências práticas da implementação do processo continuado de devida diligência e da inclusão na sua estratégia empresarial, questões de direitos humanos, ambiente e objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável. A publicação da tão aguardada Proposta de ‘Diretiva sobre Diligência Devida e Sustentabilidade Empresarial’ pela Comissão Europeia no dia 23 de Fevereiro de 2022 consubstancia um momento histórico na área de Business & Human Rights, e ao trazer um novo horizonte regulatório também traz consigo novos desafios e incertezas. Neste episódio abordam-se os principais desafios que os bancos e as empresas enfrentarão na implementação da Diretiva e de como serão afetadas as suas atividades.

Gravado a 5 de abril 2022.

There is a growing interest from companies in conducting their business activities in a more responsible and sustainable way, nevertheless, there is one impact that is still rarely discussed: that of the “democracy footprint”, which includes corporate lobbying, political spending, and other forms of corporate political influence aimed at shaping regulations designed to benefit society. In this episode, Dussu Djabula and Isabel Ruivo discuss with Professor Alberto Alemanno lobbying and how it can be used to enact societal changes.

Recorded on the 4th of March 2022.

Neste novo episódio do nosso Podcast, dedicado ao tema da Responsabilidade Social das Empresas, a Dr.ª Maria Folque dá-nos a conhecer um instituto em constante evolução. A publicação da tão aguardada Proposta de ‘Diretiva sobre Diligência Devida e Sustentabilidade Empresarial’ pela Comissão Europeia no dia 23 de Fevereiro de 2022 consubstancia um momento histórico na área de Business & Human Rights e na luta por uma conduta empresarial responsável e sustentável. Neste episódio abordam-se os seus impactos nas empresas portuguesas e formas como estas se podem começar a preparar.

Gravado a 29 de março 2022.

In this episode, Laura Íñigo Álvarez has a conversation with Aintzane Márquez Tejón and Carolina Jiménez Sánchez about the relationship between business, human rights and migrant workers considering the perspective of women’s rights.

Recorded on the 22nd of September 2021.

In this new episode of the Podcast series, Ana Duarte and Alice Milheiras hold a conversation with Céline da Graça Pires and Roberta Pinamonti from BSR on Renewables and Human Rights.

Note: The episode was recorded in May and, according to recent announcements, the EU Commission is delaying the publication of its proposal for Corporate Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence to the fall of this year.

Recorded on the 21st of May 2021.

In this new episode of the Podcast series, Ana Duarte and Dr. Laura Íñigo Álvarez hold a conversation with Eleanor Lumsden on the relationship between tech companies, inclusion and diversity.

Recorded on the 21st of May 2021.

In this new episode of the Podcast series, Dr. Claire Bright and Dr. Filipa Cansado Carvalho hold a conversation with Dr. Catherine Kessedjian on the Hague Rules on Business and Human Rights Arbitration, based on an article she recently published on the topic for the Journal du Droit International.

Recorded on the 5th of May 2021.

In this new episode of the Podcast, Eduardo Saad-Diniz shares insights with Athina Sachoulidou and Julia Gracia on corporate criminal liability in Brazil.

Recorded on the 28th of March 2021.

Neste segundo episódio, dedicado ao tema da Responsabilidade Social das Empresas, a Prof.ª Dr.ª Catarina Serra dá-nos a conhecer um instituto em constante evolução.

Gravado a 22 de março 2021.