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Article

5 Dec 2019

Author:
Davide Fiedler, WBCSD

Insider Perspective: The United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights 2019

[T]he UNGPs propose that States consider a “smart mix of measures - national and international, mandatory and voluntary”. Numerous countries are discussing, creating or have already adopted action plans, policies or laws to incentivize, pressure or mandate business respect for human rights. However, discussions throughout the forum highlighted unsatisfactory levels of business performance and disclosure and called into question the effectiveness of efforts and measures taken to date...

The tone of the debate seems to be shifting towards mandatory human rights disclosure and due diligence by business and we expect this to be reflected in new or renewed discussions on binding legislation at national and international levels...

"Companies that have already begun to implement the UNGPs will be ahead of the regulatory curve." ...

[T]he impact of technology on human rights was a recurring topic of discussion in sessions and side-events.

Concerns are growing over the risks of human rights violations that arise from technology, as well as a realization that we are only beginning to understand the negative impacts of technology...

[T]he Forum provided a space to learn about how technology can be used to bring about positive impact on people’s rights...