UN-BHR

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).
Italy Publishes Five-Year BHR Action Plan

December 12, 2018

The Italian government recently published its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (BHR), for the years 2016 through 2021, as “an instrument to move towards the new needs of interaction between human rights and the economic dimension,” as outlined in the UN Guiding Principles on BHR.
NGO Produces “Mapping” of Women’s Issues in UNGPs

December 10, 2018

The Danish Institute for Human Rights has published a global “mapping” of gender-related issues national governments should review when considering their implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
Ruggie: Facebook Must Do More to Comply with BHR Principles

December 10, 2018

Harvard Professor John Ruggie writes that, given the range of problems tech giant Facebook is facing, from allegations of electoral interference to allowing “murderous incitement” on its platform, the tech giant must alter its business model to work toward its pledge to comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (BHR).