Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, calls for accountability for business-related human rights harms
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"Türk calls for accountability for business-related human rights harms", 23 Oct 2023
…Goods and services are often sourced across multiple countries with very different legal, regulatory, and human rights practices.
This interconnection can support economic growth and social development.
But sprawling and diffuse value chains can also result in human rights...
Significant efforts have been made by States and companies to prevent and mitigate these harms, particularly since the endorsement by the Human Rights Council of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in 2011.
But it’s clear that more is needed.
The mandate which has been entrusted to this working group seeks to respond to this need…
And regulations that mandate human rights due diligence by companies can be a game changer, catalysing positive transformation of business models and benefiting workers and communities alike.
Business is understandably concerned about having too many different, potentially competing, regulatory initiatives. This is why it is essential to ensure that regulatory efforts at national or regional levels align with accepted global standards.
The efforts of this working group to develop...[the] international instrument has the potential to protect the human rights of individuals and communities that are affected by business activities, hold businesses accountable, and provide access to effective remedies for affected stakeholders when things go wrong.
It is welcome that elements of the updated draft which you will consider at this session are aligned with the UN Guiding Principles.
An instrument...would level the playing field, ensuring that business operating in all regions adhere to the same standards worldwide, contribute to sustainable development, empower communities, foster economic growth, and contribute to a more inclusive global society…