Today, corporations can simply transfer their activities to other countries in order to bring down production costs, save taxes and circumvent laws. The fact is that while the economy has become globalized, laws have remained tied to countries. In developing countries, however, the State is often unable to shield people and the environment from the activities of global corporations. The consequences are exploitative working conditions, destroyed livelihoods and considerable environmental degradation, as illustrated by the examples of Glencore, Apple, Addax or Vitol. This is why the countries in which these corporations are headquartered – such as Switzerland – also have an obligation.
