UN-BHR

NGO Produces Test for Effective BHR Treaty

January 08, 2019

A quarterly update from the Business & Human Rights (BHR) Resource Centre raises critiques of the recently published “Zero Draft” of the binding UN treaty on BHR issues and proposes a three-part test of the effectiveness of such a treaty, focused on consultation with stakeholders, creation of proper BHR remedies, and corporate “due diligence” requirements.
NGO Publishes BHR Priorities for 2019

January 08, 2019

The Institute for Human Rights and Business recently published a list of the top 10 most important business and human rights (BHR) issues in 2019, pushing businesses to help eliminate discrimination across society and increase reporting to investors on BHR issues.
Roundtable Explores Tension Between BHR Agenda, Investment Deals

January 04, 2019

In September 2018, the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (BHR) published a joint report on a roundtable they hosted exploring how to transform international investment agreements to better advance the BHR agenda in the area of “access to justice.”
UN Migrant Compact Seeks Tighter Business Regulation

January 02, 2019

A statement from a group of UN human rights mandate holders reveals the potential impact of the recently agreed UN migration accord on businesses, emphasizing the inclusion of language in the agreement requiring effective regulation of companies to ensure they do not commit human rights abuses against migrants.
NGO Seeks Appointment of Canadian Business Ombudsperson

December 18, 2018

The Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability has published a press release “denouncing” the Canadian government’s delay in appointing an Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, a post created over 10 months ago with the responsibility of investigating and recommending sanctions against companies that violate rights in their foreign activities.
Switzerland Publishes BHR Guidance for Commodity Sector

December 17, 2018

Swissinfo reports that the Swiss government has published guidance for companies operating in the commodity sector on how to comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (BHR), including by setting up a system of BHR “due diligence” in their operations and global supply chains.
US Reports on Efforts to Advance the BHR Agenda

December 17, 2018

The US State Department has produced a document indicating US efforts to advance the global business and human rights (BHR) agenda in 2018, pointing to policies including the advancement of labor rights and a contribution to the human rights strategy of the winning US-Canada-Mexico 2026 World Cup bid.
Activists Question Effectiveness of Draft BHR Treaty

December 17, 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultant Marta Piazza writes that activists are critiquing the “Zero Draft” of a binding UN treaty on business and human rights (BHR) recently produced by a UN working group for its largely indirect effect on companies and minimal action on corporate dispute settlement systems under existing trade agreements.
NGO Database Pushes “Sustainability” Through BHR Agenda

December 13, 2018

The Danish Institute for Human Rights recently launched a database pushing businesses to align their operations with the global business and human rights (BHR) agenda by providing examples of how corporate BHR implementation contributed to the comprehensive targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Mining, Metals Industry Body Requires Adherence to UNGPs

December 12, 2018

In November, the International Council on Mining & Metals, a global industry body promoting “safe, fair and sustainable” practices in the mining and metals industry, became the first such body to require member companies to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).