Much remains to be done to put human rights at the center of businesses’ concerns, said Ambassador Omar Zniber, President of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), on Wednesday in Geneva.
“Much has been done since the Guiding Principles were adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2011, and many lessons have been learned, but much remains to be done,” said Mr. Zniber, who chaired the closing of the 13th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, which took place from 25 to 27 November. “The implementation of the business and human rights agenda is becoming increasingly urgent to address the current and future challenges facing humanity,” he stressed, noting that “if States have borders, challenges such as the climate crisis, environmental degradation, violations of workers’ rights and the rights of communities affected by corporate activities know no borders.”
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Placed under the theme “Making the ‘right mix of measures’ a reality to protect human rights in the context of business activities”, this edition of the Forum allowed participants to take stock of the trends and challenges linked to the implementation implementation of the guiding principles and to reflect on what could be improved in the future. This forum was also an opportunity to present positive practices and allow the sharing of ideas and practical solutions likely to make a difference on the ground. One of the key messages of the forum is that change is possible and that there are examples of a “judicious mix of measures”, when applied by states and businesses with real political will, noted Mr. Zniber, also permanent representative of Morocco to the UN Office in Geneva.
He welcomed the increased participation of businesses in this forum. “Just as corporations are becoming increasingly important as non-state actors, they are increasingly important to the United Nations as interlocutors and partners.” “As their importance grows in a multi-stakeholder space, so does their corporate responsibility to respect people’s rights and the environment, combat poverty and corruption. , and the achievement of inclusive economic and social development,” he explained.
Created by the CDH and organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights since 2012, the Forum brings together thousands of participants from governments, international organizations, businesses, civil society, unions, communities , lawyers and academics from around the world. It provides a unique multi-stakeholder platform to discuss key trends and challenges in the implementation and advancement of the Guiding Principles. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide the authoritative global framework for states and businesses to prevent negative human rights impacts arising from business activities.
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Morocco
