(Version française ci-jointe)
(Versión en español adjunta)Brief Description of the Session: This hybrid session focuses on exploring the critical role that States play as duty bearers in implementing and advancing the business and human rights (BHR) agenda. Bringing State representatives together with stakeholders from the private sector, human rights mechanisms and civil society, speakers will discuss notable actions that governments have taken to enforce business respect for human rights, and how such action—whether it be through receiving country visits, adopting national action plans on BHR, or initiating activities to sensitise businesses to human rights due diligence (HRDD)—can result in positive change for rights-holders in various parts of the world. In the spirit of ‘building forward better’, speakers will also be asked to reflect on future BHR action as well as how multi-stakeholder coalitions can be catalyzed to accelerate the uptake of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) over the next decade.
Key Objectives of the Session: This session aims to:
- Explore how States can engage with—and be engaged by—different stakeholders effectively to take action in the BHR domain;
- Take stock of the progress made and challenges that remain in carrying out the BHR agenda in different country contexts;
- Discuss what tools and/or approaches have worked to galvanise political will and action to adopt and implement the UNGPs.
Key Discussion Questions:- What are the major opportunities and/or barriers faced by States in tackling and preventing business-related human rights abuses?
- What are some positive examples of transformative change that have resulted from government action in the BHR space?
- How can multi-stakeholder coalitions be mobilised to facilitate the implementation of the BHR agenda, including HRDD, in different countries and/or regions?
- Reflecting on the next decade of the UNGPs, what are the next critical steps that need to be taken by States in order to accelerate their uptake?
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