The topic of the role of business respect for human rights is becoming increasingly relevant. Therefore, in the autumn, the United Nations Development Program UNDP, together with their partners and stakeholders, will organize a series of regional forums. These forums are a platform for the exchange of experiences between various representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental and international organizations, affected parties and experts who are engaged in the topics of the impact of business on human rights.
One of the main focuses is to show the benefits of implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Therefore, the objectives of the dialogues are focused around the Guiding Principles in the following directions:
- Raising awareness of states and businesses with respect to human rights obligations.
- Assessment of progress regarding the application of the UN Guiding Principles, the challenges faced by both countries and companies, and guidelines for their application.
- Сcoherence of policies, which leads to better coordination and coherence in policies such as between social, economic and environmental policies.
- Building networks by creating a multilateral network for cooperation and exchange of experiences between the Global South and North on issues related to business and human rights.
- Support for those affected pages by providing a platform to voice issues related to adverse human rights impacts and an opportunity to engage them in the decision-making process.
- Sharing experiences and promoting tools and resources, to assist businesses in carrying out the human rights due diligence process.
Here is the schedule of the planned forums:
6th United Nations Forum on Responsible Business and Human Rights in Asia and the Pacific
- Date: September 24-27, 2024
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Subject: "Bridging gaps and accelerating access to means of effective protection'
3rd African Forum on Business and Human Rights
- Date: October 8-10, 2024
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Subject: "Promoting responsible business behavior in a rapidly changing context'
Constituent Dialogue on Business and Human Rights in the Arab States Region
- Date: October 28-29, 2024
- Location: Doha, Qatar
- Subject: "Charting the Path for Responsible Business Practices in the Arab States Region'
United Nations Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights in Europe and Central Asia
- Date: November 12-13, 2024.
- Location: Budva, Montenegro
- Subject: "The impact of EU policies and regulations on business and human rights"
Annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights
Recommendations and conclusions from the regional forums contribute to formulating the themes of the sessions of the UN Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights, which will take place between 24-27 November 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, this year's theme being "Implementation of a 'smart set of measures' to protect human rights in the context of business activities'.
The UN Forum is the world's largest annual business and human rights event, bringing together over 2 participants from various sectors, including governments, business, civil society and academia. Over the course of three days, participants engage in more than 000 panel discussions on the issues of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and current issues in the field of respect for human rights.
The Forum is a key opportunity to create a network of multilateral organizations and countries, exchange experiences and learn about current trends in promoting respect for human rights by business.
Sources:
United Nations Development Programme
Office of the High Commissioner United Nations Human Rights
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (bg translation)
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)