International high-level dialogue forum

Shaping a globalised world

“Is the window of opportunity still open?
State of the negotiations on a UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights”

20 November 2017
Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU, Brussels

Programme

Report

Conference language: English

In October 2017, a working group commissioned by the United Nations Human Rights Council is going to negotiate possible elements of a legally-binding treaty on business and human rights. For the first time, there seems to be a window of opportunity to go beyond voluntary means as established by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It might be possible to increase the accountability of businesses for the protection of human rights. In addition, a binding UN Treaty could also provide the prospect of enhancing the access to effective remedy for victims of business-related human rights violations.

Following the October negotiations, we would like to shed a light on the content of the discussions. What kinds of elements are likely to be included in a UN Treaty? How can victims of human rights violations gain better access to remedy? What is the position of the European Union on the results of the October meeting? What are the practical implications of a legally-binding treaty for countries and businesses?

 

Cooperating Partner
CIDSE - International Alliance of Catholic Development Agencies, Brussels

Supported by the
Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)

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