The Federal Government will significantly increase the reporting and consultation output of Germany's diplomatic and consular missions (embassies and consulates) in collaboration with the other pillars of external-trade promotion, namely the Chambers of Commerce Abroad and Germany Trade and Invest. For this purpose, basic and continuing training will also focus more strongly on advisory skills in the area of business and human rights.

The Agency for Business and Economic Development has set up a business and human rights helpdesk for enterprises that are planning operations in developing or emerging countries. As the first point of contact for enterprises, the helpdesk's primary task is to provide customised initial guidance (in person, by telephone, by e-mail) regarding the requirements laid down in the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The Agency also provides an online tool to help enterprises with business dealings in developing or emerging countries to better assess risk with respect to the environment, social affairs or human rights.

Contact:
Helpdesk Business and Human Rights of the Federal Government at the Agency for Business and Economic Development
c/o Spaces Coworking
Greifswalder Straße 226
10405 Berlin

Phone: +49 (0) 30 726217 – 1060, -1062, -1063
e-Mail: naphelpdesk@wirtschaft-entwicklung.de
Website: https://wirtschaft-entwicklung.de/wirtschaft-menschenrechte
Twitter: @AgenturWirtEnt

In addition, as part of its support for the International Labour Organization, the Federal Government provides financing for the ILO's Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards, which has been helping enterprises to apply international labour and social standards correctly since 2009. The Helpdesk offers information on all aspects of decent work, including collective bargaining, discrimination with respect to employment or occupation, the promotion of employment and decent work, forced labour, freedom of assembly, occupational safety and health, wages and benefits, and working time.