"Summary report on the first, second and third intersessional thematic consultations towards the 11th session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights", 25 September 2025

The purpose of the intersessional thematic consultations convened by the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights was to support the ongoing negotiation of a legally binding international instrument under Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution 26/9. These consultations aimed to facilitate focused discussions on clusters of draft treaty articles among States and other stakeholders, providing supplemental legal and technical analysis before each OEIGWG session.

In 2025, the HRC’s decision 56/116 and the Chair-Rapporteur’s updated roadmap arranged for three in-person thematic consultations, held in Geneva: the first from 15–16 April (covering articles 4, 5, and 7 of the draft instrument), and the second and third from 3–5 June (covering articles 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11).

Each consultation followed an updated methodology: legal experts presented non-papers on relevant provisions, followed by discussions from States and non-State actors. The process encouraged analysis, reflection, and exchange on legal drafting and conceptual issues, rather than aiming for immediate consensus or decisions on specific text proposals.

The concluding remarks from the Chair-Rapporteur acknowledged the diversity of legal views and highlighted the intention to use input from these consultations to propose adjustments, clarifications, or options for further treaty negotiations at the 11th OEIGWG session. Additionally, the Chair-Rapporteur noted the financial constraints facing the process, which led to the cancellation of a planned fourth consultation, but emphasised that these sessions had succeeded in fostering significant progress and engagement among participants.