How business impacts human rights: Global event to discuss challenges and solutions

How business impacts human rights: Global event to discuss challenges and solutions 

UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, 1-3 December,  Palais des Nations, Geneva 

GENEVA (18 November 2014) – The biggest global annual event to examine business and human rights will take place from 1-3 December in Geneva, with the participation of more than 1,500 people from over 100 countries. 

The three-day annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights brings together  business leaders, government representatives, NGOs and other civil society groups.   
Sectors represented include manufacturing, information and communication technology, mining, oil and energy, agribusiness, and banking and finance.

“It is a unique occasion to take stock of innovative action by companies but also to address ongoing global challenges relating to business and human rights. 

Companies have a responsibility to respect the human rights of the people whom their business involves and affects,” said UN Human Rights Chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.  

The Forum will be chaired by Sudan-born telecoms entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim, and among the key speakers include CEOs such as Unilever's Paul Polman, Nestlé’s Paul Bulcke and Safaricom’s Bob Collymore.

“By bringing all affected parties together, including CEOs and victims of business-related rights abuses, we can promote workable solutions to human rights challenges and strengthen global governance in this area,” said Michael Addo, who currently heads the expert group leading the event.

The programme includes discussions on global supply chains; the effect of extractive industries on indigenous peoples; financial sector responsibilities; food corporations and the right to adequate food and health; forced labour; the impact of business on children’s rights; privacy in the digital age; and regulation of private security companies. The Forum will also address key human rights issues such as how victims can get justice and compensation.

The Forum, now in its third year, has grown from some 1,000 participants in 2012 to an expected 1,500-strong attendance this year.  It provides an opportunity to assess global progress in the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights*, endorsed in 2011, the first authoritative global framework to address the impact of business on all human rights.  
“Governments and businesses need to step up their action and align with the UN framework. Civil society and rights-holders are demanding accountability and access to remedy,” Mr Addo said.
Details of press events during the Forum to follow shortly. 
Forum Twitter hashtag: #bizhumanrights 

ENDS
Media inquiries: 
Liz Throssell +41 22 917 9466  ethrossell@ohchr.org
Ulrik Halsteen +41 22 917 9323  wg-business@ohchr.org
Eimear Farrell +41 22 917 9442  wg-business@ohchr.org

Information on media accreditation: 
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Business/Forum/Pages/2014FBHRMedia.aspx or contact forumbhr@ohchr.org

Draft programme and further information: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Business/Forum/Pages/2014ForumonBusinessandHumanRights.aspx

BACKGROUND: 
The annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, established by the Human Rights Council and guided by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, provides a global platform for uptake  of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (in 6 languages): http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Business/Pages/Tools.aspx

The Working Group on Business and Human Rights was established by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2011. Learn more: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Business/Pages/WGHRandtransnationalcorporationsandotherbusiness.aspx 

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