The UN Working Group on business & human rights has decided to give focused attention to the issue of human rights defenders and civic space and is undertaking this project with the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. The Working Group proposes to:

• Develop guidance for business on engaging, respecting and supporting human rights defenders and preserving civic space in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue among stakeholders, so as to develop coordinated efforts; and
• Help identify and support opportunities for collective action.

The Working Group encourages all stakeholders to submit relevant research, documentation and materials to inform the Working Group’s efforts related to human rights defenders and civic space. In particular, the Working Group would like suggestions as to what types of recommendations might be useful for the business community with respect to how it can respect human rights through its engagement with human rights defenders, and in addressing challenges to the rule of law that are linked to their business operations. Please submit information to [email protected] indicating in the subject line “HRD CONSULTATION [+ name of contributor/entity/organization]”.