Reflections from UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum 2022

 

A post from the UN RBHR Forum 2022 last month with some reflections from the forum at the closing plenary.

• The forum had participation from several community representatives, human rights defenders especially from remote parts of the region. We heard questions and desperate call for help as the UNGP mechanisms are not seen to be working on ground. We need to reflect on what we can do to help communities and HRDs in making the UNGPs more effective on ground. Its important that we find answers to these unanswered questions and give them hope.
• Issues of migrant and informal labour was highlighted at the Forum. A lot of the UNGPs narrative is around the formal sector while Asia is dominated by the informal sector. Its important to look at the informal economy in Asia but without lowering the bar on expectations from regional/ national companies
• There were debates on the limitations of voluntary NAP and having mandatory HRDD legislation as a solution. Its important to look at a mix of voluntary and mandatory measures. We may not have the time and resources to focus all our efforts on just one solution but work with all existing resources in all possible ways.
• Several Human Rights Defenders highlighted that the process to defend human rights itself is the punishment. It often takes decades to get even a response let alone remedy. Its far too long and too little. It is important to look at remedy mechanisms that can work in the quicker.
• Access to Remedy and UNGPs Pillar 3 is a necessity. There were many commitments and promises from companies and governments on Access to Remedy. It is important to accelerate and shift focus from commitment to justice and remedy.
• The next decade is called the Decade of Action for the UNGPs but its equally important to call it a Decade of Accountability. Without accountability the action may go in different directions without much impact. We need clear expectations, who needs to be accountable and on what criteria.
• Such Forums are crucial to promote dialogue between different stakeholders. It serves as a key platform where CSOs, companies, governments, HRDs etc. can listen and talk to each other.

Below is a link to the recorded livestream (6:58 onwards)