We participated in the 13th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights
On November 25, 26 and 27, we participated in the 13th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, which took place at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.
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The United Nations Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights is the platform for multilateral dialogue that assesses the progress of States and companies in implementing the three fundamental pillars of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (GHR): Protect, Respect and Remedy. In this way, every year it brings together key actors from governments, international organizations, civil society and companies, creating a broad space for dialogue.
The 13th edition of the forum, entitled “Making the ‘Smart Mix’ for Human Rights in Business Effective”, presented the perspectives of different stakeholders on how to implement a “smart mix” of national, international, voluntary and mandatory measures to strengthen the protection and respect for human rights in business activities. It analysed what has worked so far and what has not, highlighting what is still needed to make the changes proposed by this approach effective, especially for rights holders. The forum also sought to highlight positive practices that have enabled progress in the protection of human rights in the actions of States, companies and other actors.
Among the key themes reflecting important challenges, the Just Energy Transition was highlighted, where the need for companies to implement sustainable practices in a concrete manner and backed by verifiable commitments was discussed. In addition, the importance of recognizing indigenous communities as fundamental actors in the protection of their lands and resources was highlighted, although significant challenges persist in ensuring that their rights are effectively respected in the face of business activity. In this context, the role of development financial institutions was also addressed, emphasizing their responsibility to ensure that the projects they finance comply with human rights standards. Finally, Strategic Climate Litigation was mentioned, which has gained relevance as a tool to hold companies accountable for their negative impacts on climate change and human rights.
One of the key messages that civil society wanted to highlight during the forum was that the protection of human rights should not be seen only as a legal obligation, but as a collective responsibility. Governments, international organisations, civil society and businesses must work together to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful change.
More Information
- United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights – Implementing the UN “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework United Nations (2011)
- 13th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights – United Nations
- National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights | OHCHR – United Nations
- The National Baseline of the Business and Human Rights Plan is presented – Fundeps (2023)
- National Baseline on Business and Human Rights – Ombudsman of the Nation
Author
Julieta Boretti
Contact
Gonzalo Roza, gon.roza@fundeps.org
