Objectives

The report will examine the responsibility of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to respect human rights in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

The report will cover all three pillars of the UNGPs in the context of Development Finance Institutions and Human Rights: the duty of States to protect against human rights abuses by businesses, including when formally (or informally) linked to Institutions that provide support and services to businesses, in line with Guiding Principles 4 and 10; the responsibility of DFIs to ensure that their clients and the companies they invest in, as well as other business partners and entities in the value chain, respect human rights; and the role of DFIs in providing access to remedy to individuals and communities affected by DFI-funded projects that result in adverse human rights impacts.

This report will build on work previously undertaken by the Working Group and other organisations, such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on DFIs2, as well as on relevant Working Group’s previous reports addressing issues such as the State as an economic actor3, the financial sector and human rights4, human rights due diligence5, policy coherence, and access to remedy.6

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

The Working Group seeks the input of all stakeholders (including international organisations, national human rights institutions, civil society organisations, research centres, academia, lawyers, law firms, DFIs, businesses, industry associations, trade unions, human rights defenders, and indigenous peoples) to some questions.

The questionnaire is available in English | Français | Español

How inputs will be used

In order to obtain a broad representation of views to inform the thematic report, the Working Group is seeking written contributions from all relevant actors through responses to a questionnaire.

In preparation of its report to the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council, the Working Group is convening a consultation on: “Development Financial Institutions and Human Rights”.  The consultation will be held on 10 February 2023 from 15:00 to 16:30 in room XXI, Palais des Nations, Geneva. The meeting will be held in English. 

Participants may join the meeting in person in Room XXI, Palais des Nations, or remotely, by registering via this link:  https://indico.un.org/event/1001732/

The Working Group will provide a brief update on current priorities and activities planned for 2023 and will consult with business and business associations on the topic of its report to the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council on “Development Financial Institutions and Human Rights”.