Global unions reaffirm support for a binding UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights”, 30 October 2025

The negotiations of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group, which held its eleventh session from 20 to 24 October, represent a critical opportunity to strengthen global standards for corporate conduct and protect fundamental human rights, including workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Global unions welcome the Chair’s proposal to redraft certain articles to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises. The proposal demonstrates a sincere effort to develop compromise language that can advance the negotiations constructively.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said: “For more than a decade, the ITUC and global union federations have led the push for a robust and enforceable treaty. Our goal is clear - close the legal loopholes that allow corporations to evade responsibility for human rights violations… The Treaty represents a historic chance to correct this imbalance and place human rights at the heart of global business practices.”

“At a time when the multilateral system is under threat, the Treaty represents an opportunity to reaffirm and protect the international legal order… A strong and enforceable treaty can restore balance by placing human rights, workers’ rights and the rule of law above corporate profit.”

“Global unions remain committed to working with governments, civil society, and international institutions to ensure that the final treaty delivers real accountability for corporations and real justice for workers and communities affected by corporate abuse.”

“The binding treaty must include: Comprehensive coverage of human rights… Applicability across all businesses… Extraterritorial regulation… Human rights due diligence… Strong enforcement mechanisms…”