Programme of Work

Background

The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity undermine the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, such as the right to life, food, housing, development and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Given the interdependent relationship between human rights and the environment, business operations can generate multiple, in some cases cumulative and even irreparable impacts.

Within the framework of their international obligations, States should respect and protect human rights and the environment as well as be catalysts for the respect of human rights and the protection of the planet by business in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Guiding Principles), the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on responsible Business Conduct and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.

The term “just transition” is broadly defined as ensuring that no one is left behind or pushed behind in the transition to low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economies and societies.^[1] Just transition also involves a process of embedding equity, inclusiveness and respect for human rights in sectoral and cross-cutting policy areas. The concept was referenced in recent reports of special procedures mandate holders, including the Working Group on Business and Humna Rights,^[2] the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste, ^[3] and the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, ^[4] and the Special Rapporteur on the right to development.^[5] For example, the latter called for a fundamental shift in how businesses operate within society, advocating for reorienting business purposes, changing irresponsible business models, and adopting an approach that goes beyond merely “doing no harm.” Only through these transformative changes can businesses meaningfully contribute to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.

4th UN Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights

It is in this context that the OHCHR Regional Office for the Pacific is organizing the 4th UN Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights, in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development.

Under the main theme, "Just transition in the Pacific: Role of states, businesses, and development partners," the Forum aims to facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue that will foster joint capacity building, stocktaking, learning, good practices, and specific policy, legislative, and programmatic action to raise further awareness of the UNGPs and encourage their implementation. Issues to be discussed during the 2024 Forum may include:

• Just transition right to work and rights at work;
• Extractivism, land degradation and the rights of affected communities;
• Deep sea mining and possible human rights impacts of critical minerals.
• Energy transition and the role of businesses.
• Just transition and digitalization

The Forum will build on the 3rd UN Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights, which took place in a hybrid format on 21-22 November 2022, and the Pacific Dialogue – Towards a Just Transition, ensuring responsible business conduct in the extractive and minerals sector in 2023, which took place online on 14 December 2023. The 3rd UN Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights explored linkages between business and human rights, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and related issues such as climate change and COVID-19 recovery. It featured peer learning among governments, national employers’ organizations, trade unions, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Pacific, and assessed regional progress, challenges, and opportunities in view of the UNWG’s roadmap for the next decade of business and human rights.

In 2023, during the Pacific Dialogue, the event specifically focused on just energy transition, ensuring fairness, equity, and respect for human rights in climate action. Localization of efforts, building partnerships, ensuring policy coherence and meaningful participation were identified as critical elements for an effective just transition. Participants highlighted the financial challenges associated with climate action and the need for increased commitments and accountability as well as means to better amplify the Pacific voices in the area of Business and Human Rights.

Objectives

The 2024 UN Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights aims at:

• Being a convening space for various stakeholders around business and human rights standards, especially the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, raising further awareness and building capacities;
• Discuss and identify strategies for achieving a just transition in the Pacific, focusing on key areas such as jobs, energy, food, technologies, and infrastructure to ensure that no one is left behind;
• Explore avenues for climate justice, particularly regarding access to loss and damage funds, and highlight the financial challenges associated with climate action in the region;
• Facilitating the regional exchange of good practices in implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals and to encourage policy coherence;
• Encouraging peer-learning amongst States, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), international and regional organisations, business enterprises, national employers’ organisations, trade unions, academic institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders in the Pacific region;
• Encourage and facilitate the meaningful participation of local communities, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders in the decision-making processes affecting their lives and livelihoods.

Forum Format

The 4th UN Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights will take place in a hybrid format from 30 to 31 October 2024.

Fiji-based participants and participants from other Pacific countries who can cover the costs associated with their travel and accommodation will meet in Suva, Fiji, at a location to be announced.

Apart from plenary sessions and sessions on various thematic issues, safe space will be provided to civil society organizations and businesses to have separate conversations under the Chatham House Rule.

[1] https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2023-cdp-policy-dec.pdf
[2] A/HRC/56/55, para.4.
[3] A/HRC/54/25/Add.1 , paras.93(i) and 97(c); A/HRC/54/25/ADD.3, para.103.
[4] A/HRC/47/36/ADD.1, paras.24 and 26; and A/HRC/44/40/ADD.2, para.52.
[5] A/HRC/54/27, paras. 74 and 94.