“The IHRP issues recommendations on investment for the Colombian National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights”

On 26 November the Investment & Human Rights Project (IHRP) issued its recommendations to the government of Colombia to address investment policy in its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP). The recommendations are part of the IHRP’s work to support the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights State Duty to Protect (DtP) and improve guidance available to States on foreign direct investment and investment policy in the development of NAPs…The Colombian government is counting on foreign direct investment (FDI) as a vehicle for economic development and is hoping that the private sector – including foreign investors – will play a significant role in financing post-conflict efforts.  There is therefore an urgent need to guarantee that Colombia attracts the right kind of investors: those that are aware of the challenges that a post-conflict situation might pose, that are ready to ensure their activities do not create obstacles to peace building, and those whose business activities can help Colombia pursue its post-conflict policy and economic goals…Embedding the protection of human rights into the full range of State policies and practices that support, facilitate, promote and regulate investment should thus be a key dimension for the Colombian government to consider when implementing its DtP.