Background

In resolution 47/23 entitled "New and emerging digital technologies and human rights," the Human Rights Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner to convene an expert consultation to discuss the practical application of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to the activities of technology companies. The Council also requested the High Commissioner to seek input from and to take into account the relevant work already done by stakeholders from diverse geographic regions.

Key types of input sought

The Office of the High Commissioner invited all Member States and other stakeholders to provide relevant inputs related to the four themes of the consultation:

1. The role of States in promoting respect for human rights by technology companies.
2. The role of States in relation to human rights due diligence on the use of technology companies' products or services.
3. Challenges related to the ability of State-based judicial and non-judicial grievance mechanisms to provide for accountability and remedy in case of human rights abuses relating to technology companies and potential solutions to address and/or overcome such challenges.
4. Lessons learnt and good practices to advance implementation of the Guiding Principles in the technology sector.

These focus areas build on the work being undertaken through OHCHR’s B-tech project, which aims to advance the uptake of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in the tech industry.